Somalia Rejects U.S. Proposal to Resettle Gaza Residents

Somalia has rejected a U.S. proposal to resettle Gaza residents, emphasizing support for Palestinian rights. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that Somalia will not accept plans undermining these rights, clarifying no formal U.S. request has been made. The proposal has faced strong opposition amid ongoing discussions involving several nations.

The Somali government has categorically rejected a proposal from the United States to resettle residents from Gaza within its borders, according to a Reuters report. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi asserted that Somalia cannot accept any plans that compromise the rights of Palestinians to peacefully inhabit their homeland. He further clarified that no formal request had been made by the U.S. regarding the relocation of Gaza’s populace.

Fiqi remarked, “We will never accept any plan to resettle Palestinian refugees on Somali soil.” Ongoing discussions on this issue reportedly involve U.S. and Israeli officials, along with representatives from Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan; however, Sudan has already declined Washington’s request.

President Donald Trump has expressed interest in the Gaza Strip, advocating for the transfer of Palestinians to other nations, including Somalia. This proposition has faced significant backlash from Palestinians and various Arab nations, who are collaborating to devise plans to rebuild Gaza as a counterargument to Trump’s relocation initiative.

Somalia’s reliance on U.S. financial and security assistance factors into its foreign policy decisions, including support for the Danab commando unit and military operations against Al-Shabaab. Following the removal of most American soldiers by Trump in late 2020, President Biden reinstated U.S. military presence in Somalia upon taking office.

In summary, the Somali government’s outright rejection of the U.S. resettlement proposal underscores its commitment to Palestinian rights. As discussions involving multiple nations unfold, Somalia remains resolute in its stance against accepting displaced Gaza residents. This issue continues to evoke strong reactions from both regional and global stakeholders, emphasizing the complex geopolitical dynamics at play regarding Gaza’s future.

Original Source: www.garoweonline.com