Full Breakdown
Activists Urge Israel to Halt Deportation of Ethiopian Migrants Amid Ongoing Conflict
2/10/2026, 12:06:39 AM
Background on Ethiopian Migrant Protection in Israel
In November 2021, Israel granted group protection to Ethiopian nationals due to the civil war between the Ethiopian government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front (TPLF), which lasted from 2020 to 2022. This protection was intended to safeguard individuals from the escalating violence and instability in Ethiopia. However, in January 2024, Moshe Arbel, Israel's then-Interior Minister, revoked this protection, citing professional assessments that the security situation had stabilized sufficiently for Ethiopian nationals to return.
Current Situation and Legal Developments
Following the withdrawal of protection, three organizations—Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, HIAS Israel, and ASSAF – Aid Organization for Refugees and Asylum Seekers in Israel—appealed the decision. In December 2023, the Israeli High Court upheld the Interior Ministry's decision, prompting rights activists to call for a freeze on deportations. They argue that the security situation in Ethiopia remains precarious, particularly in regions like Tigray, where renewed fighting has erupted since January 27, 2024. The Israeli Foreign Ministry has also issued travel warnings for the area, indicating ongoing risks.
Voices from the Affected Community
Activists and affected individuals express deep concern over the potential deportations. Neta Mishly, director of the legal department at the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, emphasized the contradiction between the travel warnings issued by Israel and the decision to deport asylum seekers. She stated, “We call on the Ministry of Interior to withdraw this decision and to freeze all deportations to Ethiopia until there is a tangible change in the country’s situation.”
Personal testimonies from Ethiopian migrants further illustrate the dire circumstances. One individual, Yossi, who fled Ethiopia in 2002, described living in constant fear and uncertainty, stating, “People are fleeing Ethiopia even now. You don’t know who might kill you; there are so many wars going on.” Another migrant, Yehudit, has been in Israel for 17 years and expressed her desperation, saying, “I have nowhere to go back to,” as her family remains in a refugee camp in Sudan.
Official Responses and Statistics
The Population and Immigration Authority has indicated that approximately 700 Ethiopian asylum seekers have had their requests denied, contrary to estimates from advocacy groups that suggest nearly 1,400 individuals are affected. A spokeswoman for the Authority noted that these individuals have until April 18, 2026, to prepare for departure, while asserting that the situation in Addis Ababa remains stable.
Criticism and Concerns for Vulnerable Populations
Critics of the deportation policy, including Shira Abbo, head of public policy at the Hotline for Refugees and Migrants, have raised alarms about the potential for increased enforcement actions against Ethiopian nationals. Abbo highlighted the particular risks faced by women and children, referencing the widespread sexual violence reported during the conflict.
Conclusion
The ongoing debate surrounding the deportation of Ethiopian migrants in Israel underscores the complexities of refugee protection amid evolving security conditions. As activists continue to advocate for the rights and safety of these individuals, the situation remains fluid, with significant implications for the affected community.
