- US and Israel approached Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland over potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza.
- Sudanese officials rejected the proposal outright, citing sovereignty and legal concerns.
- Somalia and Somaliland officials claimed they were unaware of any discussions on the matter.
- Trump’s plan involves US control over Gaza, resettlement of Palestinians, and redevelopment of the area.
- Arab nations and human rights groups have condemned the plan, citing potential violations of international law.
The US and Israel have recently engaged with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about relocating Palestinians from Gaza. According to American and Israeli sources, these talks are part of Donald Trump’s postwar plan. The proposal suggests resettling over two million displaced Palestinians, which has sparked widespread criticism.
In response, Sudan has firmly rejected the idea. Meanwhile, officials from Somalia and Somaliland have stated that they were unaware of any such discussions.
As a result, Arab nations and human rights organizations have strongly opposed the plan. They argue that relocating Palestinians could violate international law and may even be considered a war crime.
Trump’s Vision: A Controversial Resettlement Plan
Trump’s proposal, first introduced during a White House meeting last month, suggests a complete relocation of Gaza’s population. Under this plan, the US would take control of Gaza, undertake a long-term cleanup effort, and redevelop the land as a real estate project.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised the proposal, calling it a “bold vision.” However, Palestinians have vehemently opposed it, dismissing claims that relocation would be voluntary.
Arab nations have countered Trump’s plan with an alternative that focuses on rebuilding Gaza while allowing its residents to remain. Despite the criticism, the White House insists that Trump “stands by his vision.”
Outreach to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland
According to American and Israeli officials, diplomatic efforts to explore resettlement options in East Africa began shortly after Trump’s meeting with Netanyahu. The US and Israel have reportedly offered financial, diplomatic, and security incentives to these nations in exchange for cooperation.
Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently stated that Israel is actively identifying countries willing to accept Palestinian refugees. He also mentioned plans to create a specialized emigration department within Israel’s Defense Ministry to facilitate the process.
However, reactions from East African nations have been mixed.
Sudan’s Firm Rejection
Sudan, a signatory to the Abraham Accords that normalized relations with Israel in 2020, was among the first nations approached. Despite past US incentives, including economic aid and diplomatic support, Sudanese officials rejected the idea of accepting Palestinians.
Two Sudanese government officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed that the US had reached out before Trump’s inauguration, offering military assistance and reconstruction aid.
“This suggestion was immediately rebuffed,” said one official. “No one opened this matter again.”
Sudan’s military chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, reiterated his country’s stance at an Arab leaders’ summit in Cairo last week, stating Sudan “categorically rejects” any efforts to remove Palestinians from their homeland.
Somaliland’s Strategic Considerations
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, has remained politically stable for over three decades despite lacking international recognition. Its leadership has long sought diplomatic legitimacy, and reports suggest the US has used this as a bargaining chip.
An American official, speaking anonymously, claimed that the US was “having a quiet conversation with Somaliland about a range of areas where they can be helpful to the US in exchange for recognition.”
However, Somaliland officials deny any knowledge of discussions related to the relocation of Palestinians.
The United Arab Emirates, a key Abraham Accords signatory with economic and military ties to Somaliland, has also been linked to strategic discussions on the matter. Somaliland’s strategic location near the Gulf of Aden—an area of geopolitical interest due to its proximity to Yemen—adds another layer of complexity to the situation.
Somalia’s Position: Unaware but Unlikely
Somalia has historically supported Palestinian self-determination and has shown no interest in becoming a resettlement site. The Somali government participated in the recent Arab summit that strongly rejected Trump’s relocation plan.
A Somali government official, also speaking anonymously, stated, “There have been no discussions on hosting Palestinians from Gaza. We have not been approached, nor would this be in our interest.”
Political analysts argue that Somalia’s consistent pro-Palestinian stance makes it highly unlikely to engage in such discussions. Sambu Chepkorir, a conflict researcher in Nairobi, questioned why Somalia would even consider the proposal. “The realignments keep changing, and so maybe there is a hidden agenda,” he said.
Global Reactions and Future Implications
Human rights groups warn that forcing Palestinians to leave their homes could violate international law. The UN and other global organizations stress that Palestinians have the right to stay in their homeland. Furthermore, they insist that any relocation should be voluntary.
Despite Sudan’s rejection and the silence from Somalia and Somaliland, the US and Israel remain determined to move forward with their resettlement plans. Analysts suggest, however, that diplomatic efforts could lead to alternative incentives being offered to East African nations, encouraging them to negotiate.
For now, the fate of Gaza’s displaced residents remains uncertain. As international condemnation of the resettlement plan continues to grow, pressure on decision-makers to reconsider builds.