The United States and Israel have reportedly engaged in discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about the possibility of resettling displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
The move, which has been widely condemned by Palestinian leaders and international community, seeks to relocate Palestinians who have been severely impacted by the ongoing conflict in Gaza. According to officials, the US and Israel reached out to these East African nations in an effort to explore alternatives for relocating Gaza’s Palestinian population, which has been devastated by months of military operations. Sudan has firmly rejected the proposal, while Somalia and Somaliland have denied any such discussions, with Somali officials expressing surprise at the claims.
The proposal reportedly included offering economic incentives, military aid, and diplomatic recognition in exchange for hosting Palestinians. Specifically, the US has considered offering Somaliland international recognition, which remains a significant goal for the breakaway region’s government. This move is part of a broader push by president Donald Trump, who previously proposed a US-led “takeover” of Gaza. His plan, which includes the permanent displacement of Gaza’s 2 million residents, has drawn widespread accusations of ethnic cleansing.
Experts have warned that forcing Palestinians to leave their homeland would have devastating consequences, particularly for African nations already grappling with their own economic and security challenges. Any forced displacement of Palestinians is “a red line that should not be crossed,” says Tamer Qarmout from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies. The discussions, however, underscore the ongoing tensions surrounding the Gaza conflict and the complexities of finding a lasting solution.