The US and Israel reportedly discussed the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to East Africa, specifically to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Sudan has rejected the proposal, while Somalia and Somaliland have expressed uncertainty about their involvement. The initiative has faced significant backlash and is criticized as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Recent reports indicate that the United States and Israel are exploring options for the forced relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to East African nations, specifically Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. According to officials, discussions were held with these governments, although Sudan has reportedly declined the proposal. Meanwhile, representatives from Somalia and Somaliland stated they were unaware of any such contacts regarding this initiative.
Sources from The Associated Press highlight that while Sudan has rejected overtures concerning the displacement plan, officials from Somalia and Somaliland had no knowledge of any discussions. US and Israeli officials confirmed these discussions occurred, but they remain ambiguous about the progress and nature of these talks. The conversations mark an increase in diplomatic efforts following a controversial proposal by former President Donald Trump, which suggested displacing Palestinians from Gaza.
This initiative has generated significant backlash, being condemned by Palestinian leaders and various Middle Eastern nations, many characterizing it as a form of ethnic cleansing. In light of this, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has articulated that Israel is seeking countries willing to accept Palestinians and is establishing a large emigration department within its Defense Ministry.
Tamer Qarmout, an academic at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, emphasized that displacing Palestinians constitutes a “red line that should not be crossed,” urging global accountability against such proposals. He expressed astonishment that any nations struggling with their own colonial histories would even consider accommodating displaced Palestinians.
In discussions concerning incentives for receiving Palestinians, it is suggested that the US may offer various diplomatic, security, and financial benefits to the East African countries involved. Notably, it has been proposed that Somaliland could receive international recognition in return for its cooperation. However, experts like Sambu Chepkorir doubt Somalia’s willingness to host Palestinians, considering its historical support for Palestinian autonomy.
Moreover, two unnamed Sudanese officials disclosed that the military-led government had been approached with offers of military assistance and reconstruction efforts to incentivize their acceptance of resettled Palestinians. However, they confirmed that any such overtures from the Trump administration were swiftly dismissed, with no further discussions on the matter.
In summary, the United States and Israel are reportedly attempting to negotiate the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to East Africa amid widespread opposition to the plan. While Sudan has rejected the initiative outright, Somalia and Somaliland remain in a state of uncertainty regarding their involvement. Amidst international condemnation of the proposal, further discussions are complicated by the socio-political landscapes of the prospective host nations. This evolving situation warrants close attention as it develops.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
