U.S. and Israeli officials are discussing potential resettlement of Gaza’s Palestinians in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, following a proposal from President Trump. Progress remains unclear, with Sudan declining the offers, while Somalia and Somaliland state they are unaware of the discussions. Trump’s proposal for Palestinian relocation has drawn strong backlash internationally, complicating the situation amid the humanitarian crises in these regions.
Israeli and American officials have been exploring the possibility of resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, as reported by the Associated Press. The discussions emerged following President Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population temporarily. While current progress of these discussions is unclear, Israel appears to be taking the lead, as Sudan has apparently declined any offers and officials in Somalia and Somaliland are unaware of talks regarding this issue.
In February, Trump suggested relocating over two million Gazans, claiming the region was uninhabitable. His plan implied that the U.S. would oversee Gaza’s rehabilitation and development, asserting that relocated Palestinians would enjoy better living conditions. He indicated discussions with Jordan and Egypt as additional possible resettlement countries. Though he claimed relocation would not be enforced, the idea met significant backlash across the Arab world and Europe.
The relationships involving the U.S. and Israel with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland are multifaceted. Sudan, which signed the 2020 Abraham Accords with Israel, is currently engulfed in a humanitarian crisis due to civil war, affecting over 30 million people. Meanwhile, Somalia, a U.S. ally in combating al-Shabab, faces persistent poverty despite being a major recipient of American arms
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region, offers a contrasting scenario as it is not recognized as a sovereign state by the international community. The strategic location of Somaliland has historically attracted Israeli interest. Allegations surfaced in 2024 about Israel wanting to establish a military base there, contingent on the recognition of Somaliland’s independence, though official confirmation from Israeli officials is lacking.
The exploration of resettling Palestinian refugees from Gaza in African nations reflects complex geopolitical dynamics and humanitarian considerations. While the U.S. and Israel pursue discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, the situation remains fluid and contentious, as local responses vary significantly. The overarching challenge lies in the volatile regional context, particularly the ongoing humanitarian issues faced by these nations involved in potential resettlement.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
