The U.S. and Israel are in discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland for resettling Palestinians from Gaza, as suggested in Trump’s postwar plan. However, Sudan has rejected the overtures, while officials from Somaliland and Somalia claim no knowledge of these discussions. The proposal raises ethical concerns and faces significant local opposition.
The U.S. and Israel are exploring the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in three East African regions: Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. This initiative is part of a broader plan suggested by former President Donald Trump, aiming for a permanent relocation of Gaza’s population of over 2 million. The proposal has faced significant criticism, raising ethical and legal concerns, especially given the socio-political instability in these regions.
Sudan, which is experiencing a civil war and humanitarian crises, has already rejected U.S. overtures regarding the relocation of Palestinians. Sudanese officials have confirmed that discussions on this matter did occur but were swiftly dismissed, with military leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan stating a categorical refusal to any plan that would remove Palestinians from their homeland.
Somaliland is another area being considered, although it remains unrecognized as an independent state. While Somaliland’s president aims for international recognition, the prospect of resettling Palestinians could offer leverage in negotiations with the U.S. However, officials from Somaliland have claimed that they have not been approached regarding hosting displaced Palestinians, emphasizing their current political stance that supports Palestinian rights.
Somalia, known for its vocal support of Palestinian self-determination, seems an unlikely candidate for resettlement despite recent diplomatic discussions involving the U.S. An expert highlighted the contradictions within Somalia’s potential acceptance of the plan, given its supportive history for Palestine. A Somali official stated that they have not been approached concerning accepting Palestinians, reaffirming the nation’s solidarity with Palestinian rights.
The U.S. and Israel’s attempts to resettle Palestinian populations in East Africa face significant obstacles, including outright rejection from Sudan and no affirmative response from Somaliland and Somalia. The lack of local support, paired with the regions’ ongoing instability and strong pro-Palestinian sentiments, indicates the difficulty in implementing such a controversial plan. Overall, the initiative raises serious moral and legal questions amid deep local opposition.
Original Source: apnews.com
