US and Israel Explore African Nations for Potential Palestinian Resettlement
The United States and Israel have reportedly reached out to officials from three East African regions—Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland—to discuss the possibility of resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza.
According to American and Israeli officials cited by the Associated Press, these discussions are part of a broader postwar strategy proposed by former US President Donald Trump.
Trump’s plan envisions relocating Gaza’s more than two million residents to other countries, while the US would oversee the redevelopment of Gaza. This idea, once considered fringe, has gained traction among certain Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described it as a “bold vision,” while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has confirmed efforts to identify potential host nations. However, the proposal has been widely criticized, with Palestinian leaders rejecting it and Arab nations presenting alternative reconstruction plans that would allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
Critics argue that the forced displacement of Palestinians could constitute a violation of international law. Human rights groups have warned that pressuring Palestinians to leave may amount to a war crime. Despite these concerns, US and Israeli officials insist that discussions are ongoing.
Officials in Sudan have stated that they rejected the idea outright. The country, which normalized relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020, is currently facing internal conflict between government forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Sudanese officials confirmed that discussions took place but emphasized that their government had “categorically rejected” the proposal.
Somalia and Somaliland, a self-declared independent region seeking international recognition, were also named as potential resettlement locations. However, officials from both regions have denied any knowledge of such talks. Somaliland’s foreign minister stated that no proposal had been received, and Somali officials reaffirmed their longstanding support for Palestinian self-rule.
Reports indicate that financial, security, and diplomatic incentives could be offered to these nations in exchange for accepting displaced Palestinians. For Somaliland, US recognition of its independence may be a key bargaining factor. Similarly, Sudan and Somalia could be promised economic aid or military support.
While the White House has not commented on these discussions.
With input from the Associated Press, Reuters, Al Jazeera.
