The US and Israel are exploring potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, despite significant international condemnation and local rejections. Sudan has outrightly declined participation, while Somalia shows strong support for Palestinian rights, leaving Somaliland’s position unclear. The proposed plan faces serious ethical questions and logistical challenges as negotiations proceed.
The United States and Israel are in discussions with three East African governments—Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland—regarding the possible resettlement of Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip. This initiative follows President Donald Trump’s controversial postwar plan that has drawn widespread international condemnation and raised substantial ethical and legal concerns. The proposed locations are economically challenged and, in some instances, marred by violence, casting doubt on Trump’s vision for a suitable resettlement area.
Sudanese officials have reportedly rebuffed advances from the US and Israel. Meanwhile, officials in Somalia and Somaliland indicated they were unaware of any contact regarding the matter. Trump’s proposal envisions relocating over two million Gaza residents permanently, with plans for the US to manage and redevelop the area, further complicating the issue.
While once regarded as an extreme view held by Israel’s ultranationalist factions, the plan has gained traction following its introduction at a White House meeting. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hailed it as a “bold vision,” although Palestinians and various Arab states vehemently oppose the idea, asserting that forced relocation could amount to a war crime.
US and Israeli officials disclosed that initial talks occurred last month after Trump unveiled his plan. Complaints voiced by Palestinians about the non-voluntary nature of the proposed movement have been dismissed. The US and Israel are expected to offer a range of incentives, akin to those used during the Abraham Accords, to encourage these countries to accept relocated Palestinians.
Sudan, which normalized relations with Israel through the Abraham Accords, is grappling with internal strife, complicating any potential acceptance of Palestinians. Reports indicate that Sudanese officials rejected the offers with one noting, “This suggestion was immediately rebuffed.”
Somaliland, with aspirations for international recognition and a relatively stable political climate, has not officially engaged in discussions about receiving Palestinians. The territory’s strategic significance, highlighted by previous interests from the United Arab Emirates, may make it an attractive partner for the US and Israel, although potential recognition remains only a possibility.
Conversely, Somalia continues to express strong support for Palestinian rights, openly rejecting Trump’s relocation plan at recent Arab summits. Legal expert Sambu Chepkorir indicated that the motivations for hosting Palestinians might remain unclear given Somalia’s public stance on Palestinian self-determination. A Somali official confirmed that negotiations regarding resettling Palestinians have not occurred.
In summary, the US and Israel’s efforts to identify East African territories for resettling Palestinians post-Gaza conflict face substantial resistance from Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. While the proposal reflects a controversial strategy to address regional displacement, it raises ethical dilemmas and lacks strong support from the involved countries. Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland have all indicated their rejection or unawareness of any ongoing discussions, complicating the viability of Trump’s plan.
Original Source: www.ndtv.com
