U.S. and Israel Consider Resettlement for Gazans in Sudan, Somalia, and Syria

Reports indicate that the Trump administration and Israel are seeking resettlement options for Gazans in Sudan, Somalia, and Syria as part of an effort to resolve the ongoing conflict with Hamas. This initiative has drawn significant criticism, with many denouncing it as ethnic cleansing, while officials from the approached nations deny such outreach. The situation remains complex and contentious amidst escalating tensions in the region.

The Trump administration, alongside Israeli officials, has reportedly approached the governments of Sudan and Somalia, with interest also in Syria, to explore resettlement options for Palestinians from Gaza. This is part of President Trump’s broader strategy aimed at concluding the ongoing conflict with Hamas and initiating reconstruction efforts in Gaza.

During a press conference, President Trump stated, “Nobody is expelling any Palestinians,” clarifying his position amidst controversy regarding his earlier suggestions about the future of Gaza. He envisioned the region becoming the “Riviera of the Middle East,” and discussed the potential for relocating Palestinians to countries willing to assist.

Sources indicate that discussions with Sudan and Somalia were communicated by U.S. and Israeli officials. The initiative has received encouragement from hardline Israeli officials who advocate for the migration of Palestinians from Gaza; this outreach is believed to have been reinforced by Trump’s recent remarks.

Interest in Syria has also been reported, as U.S. officials are said to have attempted contact with the interim Syrian government through a third party. However, the Syrian government, as stated by one senior official, has received no notification from either the U.S. or Israel regarding this resettlement plan.

Somalia’s ambassador to the U.S., Dahir Hassan, asserted that there has been no formal approach regarding relocation discussions, emphasizing concerns that false information could fuel extremist recruitment in the region. Similarly, the Sudanese government has not provided comments on the subject when contacted.

Since February, Trump has implied that a departure from Gaza could be a permanent choice for Palestinians. He mentioned plans to build safer communities elsewhere, stating during a Fox News interview, “We’ll build beautiful communities, safe communities,” implying that return to Gaza would not be feasible as it remains “not habitable” post-war.

Recent assessments by the United Nations revealed that over 90% of housing in Gaza is either damaged or destroyed, and numerous civilians have been displaced due to the ongoing conflict, which has resulted in significant casualties. Many critics have condemned Trump’s resettlement strategy as equivalent to ethnic cleansing, proposing instead an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, which has been dismissed by the Trump administration.

The Biden administration had been engaging with the previous Syrian government prior to Trump’s election; however, communication ceased upon his inauguration. Ahmed al-Sharaa, the new Syrian leader, criticized Trump’s remarks as a “serious crime” without merit. Calls have been made for direct engagement with Syrian officials to solidify relations and address regional security concerns, as articulated by Mouaz Moustafa of the Syrian Emergency Task Force.

Israel has continued military operations in Syria, targeting positions it has identified as a threat. In the context of these ongoing tensions, a U.S. State Department spokesperson indicated that efforts to extend peace negotiations with Hamas are ongoing, underlining the necessity for alternative solutions that will improve living conditions for Gazans.

Witkoff, a Middle East envoy, echoed the need to explore relocation options for Palestinians, suggesting various countries that have expressed humanitarian intent to assist. Despite over millions of displaced Palestinians residing in Arab nations, there is a growing inclination from certain Israeli officials to enforce migration from both Gaza and the West Bank to enhance Israeli security.

The U.S. and Israeli call for the relocation of Palestinians has drawn significant scrutiny, and key figures within both governments have refrained from commenting on the issue.

The U.S. and Israeli governments are exploring options to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and Syria. This initiative, driven by President Trump’s broader strategy to address the Gaza conflict and reconstruction efforts, has sparked controversy and condemnation from various quarters, with many viewing it as ethnic cleansing. Despite denials from these nations regarding official discussions, the concept of resettlement remains a focal point of debate within the geopolitical landscape of the region.

Original Source: www.cbsnews.com