Sudan has rejected the US request to discuss resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza under Trump’s plan. National sentiments in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland emphasize opposition to the idea and a commitment to Palestinian rights. Legal experts warn that forced relocations would be illegal, and popular responses in the region support alternative reconstruction plans without displacement.
The Sudanese government has officially rejected a request from the United States to discuss the relocation of Palestinians displaced from Gaza, as proposed under Donald Trump’s developmental plan for the area. Sudanese officials confirmed that the discussions, which also involved Somalia and Somaliland, were initiated even before Trump’s presidency, with offers of military assistance as incentives to the war-torn nation. However, Sudan promptly dismissed the proposition, emphasizing its unlikelihood of reconsideration.
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, although not confirming any direct US or Israeli requests, expressed his nation’s firm stance against utilizing its territory for Palestinian resettlement. Under Trump’s vision, Gaza’s over two million residents would be forcibly relocated to facilitate the transformation of the territory into a luxurious leisure destination. Legal experts have observed that such forced resettlement contradicts international law.
Initially proposed recipients of the displaced population included Egypt and Jordan; however, both countries vehemently opposed this plan. Palestinians within Gaza have also unequivocally rejected the proposal, asserting that any suggested departures would not be voluntary. In response, Arab nations have devised an alternate plan advocating for the reconstruction of Gaza while maintaining the Palestinian populace.
Despite the backlash, the White House maintains that Trump remains committed to his vision, with Israeli officials echoing his sentiments. The nature and progression of clandestine discussions between US and Israeli officials, particularly regarding Somalia and Somaliland, have not been disclosed. The outreach initiated just after Trump’s proposal reflects Israel’s leading role in these discussions.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has characterized Trump’s plan as a “bold vision,” while far-right finance minister Bezalel Smotrich continues to advocate for the relocation of Palestinians. Meanwhile, international legal experts warn that the proposed migration may constitute a war crime in light of Gaza’s humanitarian crisis.
Sudan, while having normalized relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020, is currently embroiled in civil conflict, resulting in widespread atrocities. The US has sought to ensure Sudan’s cooperation through offers of military assistance amidst this turmoil. Gen Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto president, has categorically dismissed any plans that would displace Palestinians.
While Somaliland, which has its own claims to independence from Somalia, reportedly has not been approached regarding the resettlement plan, discussions may be taking place behind closed doors. Somalia has notably demonstrated its support for Palestinian rights and has not engaged in any negotiations concerning relocation. The dynamics within Somalia remain complicated, with the country largely under the influence of the extremist group al-Shabaab.
The Sudanese government’s outright rejection of the US request for Palestinian resettlement underscores a broader resistance from regional powers against Trump’s Gaza plan. Both Somalia and Somaliland have also expressed their opposition to any initiatives that undermine Palestinian rights, while Arab nations propose alternative plans that prioritize local rebuilding efforts. As the legal implications of forcibly displacing populations loom large, any continuation of such proposals raises ethical and humanitarian concerns that require careful consideration by international actors.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
