Sudan has rejected U.S. proposals to accept displaced Palestinians from Gaza under Trump’s plan, which aims to develop Gaza as a high-end tourist destination. Discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland are ongoing, but all have expressed strong opposition. Legal experts state forced resettlement could constitute a war crime, and regional leaders assert their commitment to Palestinian rights.
Sudan has officially rejected a U.S. request to discuss the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza under former President Donald Trump’s proposed plan. This plan envisions transforming Gaza into a high-end tourist destination, drawing intense international criticism due to its implied forced displacements. The U.S. and Israel previously contacted Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about hosting these displaced populations, indicating a commitment to proceed despite significant opposition.
Confirmed by two Sudanese officials, the U.S. outreach began even before Trump’s presidency, offering military and reconstruction assistance as incentives for cooperation. However, Sudan’s military-led government has turned down the proposal, with one official stating, “This suggestion was immediately rebuffed” and no further discussions were initiated.
In Somalia, Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi declined to affirm or deny requests from the U.S. or Israel but affirmed strong opposition to any resettlement plan undermining the rights of Palestinians. Under Trump’s vision, over two million residents of Gaza would be permanently displaced, raising serious legal concerns regarding forced resettlement under international law.
Egypt and Jordan, initially proposed as resettlement destinations, have vehemently opposed the plan, as have the Palestinians themselves, who assert that any departures would not be voluntary. They have proposed an alternative multibillion-dollar reconstruction initiative that maintains their presence in Gaza.
U.S. officials sought to revive discussions with potential host nations shortly after Trump publicized his plan. However, Israeli and U.S. officials have yet to comment on the outreach or its progression at various levels. Netanyahu has praised the proposal, while other Israeli officials continue to pursue options for the “voluntary” emigration of Palestinians.
Legal experts have warned that any forced mass emigration from Gaza would likely contravene international humanitarian law, potentially qualifying as a war crime amid an ongoing humanitarian crisis. Despite Sudan establishing diplomatic relations with Israel via the Abraham Accords in 2020, the nation is ensnared in civil conflict and dire humanitarian conditions, making it an unsuitable destination for Palestinians.
Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s de facto president, has reiterated that his country categorically rejects any plan to transfer Palestinians, emphasizing a commitment to their rights. Officials from Somaliland and Somalia have also stated they lack any knowledge or intention to host displaced peoples from Gaza, with Somalia’s government strongly supporting Palestinian sovereignty and opposition to Trump’s strategy.
In summary, Sudan and Somalia have both firmly rejected U.S. requests regarding the resettlement of Palestinians. Sudan, despite past diplomatic engagements with Israel, is mired in a humanitarian crisis and civil unrest, making it unfeasible. Somalia similarly stands against any plans that would undermine Palestinian rights. The overall opposition from Palestinians and regional actors highlights the complexities involved in any proposed displacement initiatives under Trump’s Gaza plan.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
