Yes, a growing number of Palestinians are seeking asylum in Europe due to the catastrophic humanitarian conditions and ongoing displacement in Gaza. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has actively approved proposals to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians out of the territory, strict border closures and complex travel routes mean that reaching Europe remains highly difficult and heavily restricted.

 

With Nethayun tking 70% of Gaza are the Palestinians trying to como to Europe as refugees?

Yes, a growing number of Palestinians are seeking asylum in Europe due to the catastrophic humanitarian conditions and ongoing displacement in Gaza. While Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has actively approved proposals to facilitate the emigration of Palestinians out of the territory, strict border closures and complex travel routes mean that reaching Europe remains highly difficult and heavily restricted.

 

Current Asylum Trends in Europe

• Leading Nationalities: Palestinians have recently emerged as one of the largest groups of asylum seekers in several European nations.
• The Netherlands: In early 2026, asylum applications marked as "nationality unknown"—the classification typically used for stateless Palestinians—accounted for up to 20% of monthly applications, forming the country's single largest applicant group.
• Belgium and Greece: Belgium remains a primary target destination within the EU, while Greece serves as a major entry point for irregular arrivals crossing the Mediterranean.
• Legal Protections: Major legal shifts have occurred; for instance, France's National Court of Asylum ruled that all Gazans are eligible for full refugee status due to the "indiscriminate warfare" in the territory.

Barriers to Fleeing Gaza

• Closed Borders: General civilian transit has been largely blocked since Israel took control of the Rafah crossing. While the crossing has occasionally reopened under the EU Border Assistance Mission (EUBAM Rafah) for controlled evacuations, widespread exit is impossible.
• Exorbitant Costs: Those who manage to organize private evacuations through third-party agencies often have to pay upwards of $1,500 to $12,000 per person to secure passage out of Gaza and fund subsequent travel through Egypt or Turkey toward Europe.