The US and Israel are reportedly considering Syria as a resettlement site for displaced Gazans, with no response yet from Syria. Other locations under consideration include Sudan and Somalia, while Egypt opposes relocating Gazans there. These proposals follow President Trump’s announcement to rebuild Gaza, which has been met with significant regional resistance.
Reports indicate that the United States and Israel are evaluating Syria as a potential location for resettling approximately two million residents of Gaza. This information was disclosed by CBS News, citing an unnamed US official who stated that the Trump administration had engaged with the interim Syrian government through a third party. However, there has been no indication of a response from Syria regarding this discussion.
In addition, a senior Syrian official noted a lack of awareness about any negotiations between the Syrian government and either the US or Israel on this matter. This comes amidst other considerations for relocating displaced Gazans to East African countries such as Sudan and Somalia, with Sudan having reportedly declined the US’s request.
The contemplation of these sites follows President Donald Trump’s announcement in February regarding the need to displace Gaza’s residents to facilitate reconstruction efforts, a plan supported by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although initially suggesting Egypt as an alternative for resettlement, Egypt strongly opposed this notion, advocating for a different approach that does not include relocating Gaza’s populace.
Currently, Israel’s relationship with Syria remains strained due to the aftermath of the Assad regime’s collapse. Israel continues to occupy sections of southern Syria to counter the influence of Iranian forces and Hezbollah, demonstrating its cautious stance toward the newly established interim government in Syria.
In summary, the US and Israel are contemplating Syria as a site for the resettlement of Gazans, amidst ongoing discussions about alternative locations. However, significant opposition from various parties reveals the complexities of the situation. Additionally, the strained relationship between Israel and Syria continues to influence this potential relocation strategy.
Original Source: themedialine.org
