U.S. and Israeli officials are reportedly discussing the resettlement of displaced Palestinians from Gaza to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. This follows a proposal by President Trump that suggested relocating these individuals due to the region’s uninhabitability. While Sudan has declined the offer, sources from Somalia and Somaliland reported unawareness of such discussions. The complex geopolitical relationships involved are significant amid ongoing humanitarian crises in these nations.
Reports from the Associated Press indicate that U.S. and Israeli officials are exploring the possibility of resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza in three African nations: Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. This initiative appears to stem from discussions that followed President Donald Trump’s proposition in February, which suggested relocating Gaza’s residents for an unspecified duration. U.S. officials assert that it is unclear how advanced these discussions are, although Israel is reportedly leading the dialogue.
The Associated Press cited U.S. and Israeli officials confirming overtures to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland on Friday. A Sudanese source has indicated the nation declined such proposals, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland claimed they were unaware of any discussions regarding the resettlement initiative. The negotiations reportedly commenced after Trump outlined his Gaza plan during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
In early February, President Trump proposed relocating over 2 million Palestinians from Gaza. He characterized Gaza as uninhabitable and proposed that the United States take control, promising development and job creation in the region. Trump noted, “We’ll own it,” asserting that a new land would offer a better life for Palestinians compared to returning to Gaza’s enduring conflicts.
Although Trump’s plan has faced significant backlash from the Arab world and Europe, it has garnered support from Israeli right-wing factions, including Netanyahu, who praised it as a “bold vision.” While Trump suggested this would not force Gazans out, he did not retract his proposal, causing widespread criticism.
The relationships between the United States, Israel, and the targeted African nations are complex. Sudan signed the Abraham Accords in 2020 to normalize relations with Israel, leading to its removal from the U.S. state sponsors of terrorism list. However, Sudan is currently undergoing a devastating civil war, with UNICEF labeling it the world’s largest humanitarian crisis.
The United States has collaborated with Somalia to combat the jihadist group al-Shabab. Despite Somalia being among the poorest nations on the continent, the U.S. remains its primary arms supplier. Additionally, Israeli attempts to normalize relations with Somalia come despite its enduring support for Palestinian rights.
In the case of Somaliland, a self-declared entity not recognized internationally, Israeli interest has persisted due to its geographical significance near the Bab al-Mandab Strait. There were reports of Israeli efforts to establish a military base in exchange for recognizing Somaliland’s independence, although Israeli officials did not confirm these claims.
The U.S. and Israel are reportedly exploring the resettlement of Gaza’s displaced Palestinians in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, following a proposal from President Trump. The dialogue, led primarily by Israeli officials, has faced mixed reactions from the targeted nations. While Sudan has declined participation, Somalia and Somaliland have reported a lack of awareness of the discussions. The intricate political dynamics involving relationships with these nations, especially amid humanitarian crises, raise substantial implications for any potential resettlement initiatives.
Original Source: www.al-monitor.com
