The U.S. and Israel have discussed resettling Palestinians from Gaza in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. While Sudan rejected involvement, Somalia and Somaliland have expressed lack of awareness. Trump’s controversial plan faces legal and ethical scrutiny, as well as opposition from Palestinians and Arab nations.
The United States and Israel have engaged with officials from three East African nations—Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland—to explore the possibility of resettling Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip. This initiative aligns with President Trump’s postwar strategy but faces significant condemnation and raises legal and ethical concerns due to the impoverished and unstable conditions within these countries.
Sudan has reportedly declined any proposals concerning the resettlement of Palestinians, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland maintain they are unaware of such discussions. Trump’s plan entails relocating over two million individuals from Gaza and transforming the region into a managed real estate project, a concept that has garnered strong opposition from Palestinian leaders and Arab nations alike.
The mass relocation of Palestinians had previously been regarded as an extreme notion within right-wing segments of Israeli politics. However, it has gained traction since Trump’s recent advocacy, prompting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to endorse it as a “bold vision.” Palestinian representatives and various rights organizations have criticized the proposal, suggesting it could constitute a war crime due to the coercive nature implied.
Despite the backlash, the White House has reiterated support for Trump’s vision, and officials from both the U.S. and Israel confirmed outreach to the three East African nations. The engagement began shortly after Trump’s announcement, with Israel leading discussions and offering various incentives, including financial and diplomatic support, to the target countries.
Sudan’s ongoing civil unrest complicates its potential role in this plan, despite the U.S. removing the country from its list of state sponsors of terrorism in 2020. The nation’s military leader has explicitly rejected any scheme to transfer Palestinians, stating “categorically” that such actions are not acceptable.
Somaliland, though seeking international recognition, has not engaged with the U.S. regarding Palestinian resettlement. On the other hand, Somalia has voiced robust support for Palestinian self-determination and has not shown interest in accommodating displaced individuals from Gaza. Amidst the region’s turmoil and Somalia’s continued advocacy for Palestinians, experts question the viability of these discussions.
The U.S. and Israel have sought to explore East Africa as a potential resettlement area for Palestinians from Gaza. However, engagement with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland has received substantial pushback, raising ethical and humanitarian concerns. Somalia and Somaliland maintain their support for Palestinian rights, complicating any potential agreements. As discussions unfold, the positions of these nations reveal the challenging dynamics involved in such a significant geopolitical issue.
Original Source: abcnews.go.com
