Somalia has rejected a U.S. proposal to resettle Gaza’s population, emphasizing the protection of Palestinian rights. The Somali Foreign Minister confirmed no formal request was made by the U.S. Meanwhile, discussions involving several nations continue, amid strong opposition to the proposal from Palestinians and Arab countries.
The Somali government has categorically rejected a proposal from the United States to resettle part of Gaza’s population in Somalia, as reported by Reuters. Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi emphasized that Somalia will not entertain any plan that undermines the rights of Palestinians to live peacefully in their own land.
Fiqi stated, “We will never accept any plan to resettle Palestinian refugees on Somali soil,” highlighting that the Somali government has received no formal request from the U.S. regarding this matter.
According to the Associated Press, discussions about resettling Gaza residents involve the U.S., Israel, Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan, though Sudan has already declined Washington’s proposal. U.S. President Donald Trump has shown interest in the Gaza Strip and is considering facilitating the relocation of Palestinians to countries like Somalia.
The proposal has faced significant backlash from both Palestinians and Arab nations, which are currently planning to rebuild Gaza as an alternative response to Trump’s relocation efforts. Somalia, which depends on U.S. financial and security support for its military, including airstrikes against Al-Shabaab, finds itself in a complex situation regarding the proposal.
Despite past reductions in U.S. military presence under Trump’s administration, hundreds of American soldiers returned to Somalia after President Biden took office to continue supporting operations against Al-Shabaab.
The Somali government’s rejection of the U.S. proposal to resettle Gaza residents underscores its commitment to Palestinian rights. It highlights ongoing geopolitical tensions, particularly with the involvement of multiple nations in discussions about Palestinian relocation. Somalia’s reliance on U.S. support complicates its stance, as it navigates its domestic and international responsibilities amidst reactions from Palestinian and Arab entities.
Original Source: www.garoweonline.com
