US and Israel Explore Resettlement Options for Gaza’s Palestinians in Africa

Israeli and US officials are reportedly exploring the resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Following President Trump’s earlier proposal to relocate Gazans, discussions have emerged but uncertainty remains regarding their advancement. Sources indicate that Sudan declined offers, while Somalia and Somaliland were largely unaware of the ongoing conversations. The geopolitical context complicates these potential resettlement efforts.

Recent reports indicate that Israeli and American officials are in discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland regarding the potential resettlement of displaced Palestinians from Gaza. These conversations reportedly follow President Donald Trump’s earlier suggestion to relocate residents of Gaza due to the severe humanitarian crisis within the region. However, the current status of these discussions remains uncertain as Israel is said to be leading the dialogue.

The discussions were reportedly initiated immediately after President Trump floated the idea during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Although US and Israeli officials confirmed that outreach has been made to the three African nations, sources in Sudan have stated they declined the proposals, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland claimed to have no knowledge of such discussions occurring.

Background context includes Trump’s original proposal, which suggested the relocation of over two million Palestinians, asserting that the Gaza Strip has become uninhabitable. Trump assured that the United States would manage Gaza and rehabilitate it, proposing it as a viable option for creating job opportunities. His remarks received significant backlash from the Arab world and European countries, with resistance from various political factions.

The relationships between the United States, Israel, and these African nations are multifaceted. Sudan is one of the nations that normalized ties with Israel under the 2020 Abraham Accords, while grappling with its civil war, leading to humanitarian crises that affect millions. In contrast, the United States has been providing support to Somalia against extremist groups and has emerged as its largest arms supplier. Somaliland, although self-declared, is not recognized internationally, yet it remains attractive for Israeli interests due to its strategic location.

Prominent Israeli officials, such as Foreign Minister Eli Cohen, have expressed intentions to engage with Somalia despite potential challenges due to Somalia’s historical support for the Palestinian cause.

In summary, the potential resettlement of Gaza’s Palestinians is under consideration by US and Israeli officials engaging with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Although discussions are ongoing, there is considerable uncertainty regarding their progress. The geopolitical relationships involving these African nations are complex, further influencing the feasibility and acceptance of Trump’s controversial proposal. Overall, the situation reflects the broader humanitarian and diplomatic challenges faced in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Original Source: www.al-monitor.com