The United States and Israel have approached officials in three East African territories regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, the Associated Press reported on Friday, citing sources within both governments.
According to the report, officials in Sudan, Somalia, and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland were contacted about the proposal. However, Sudanese authorities stated that they had rejected the idea, while officials in Somalia and Somaliland said they were unaware of any such discussions. The White House and the U.S. State Department have yet to comment on the matter.
The reported discussions come amid growing international concern over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where Israel’s military offensive, triggered by a Hamas-led cross-border raid on October 7, 2023, has resulted in significant casualties and widespread destruction. Earlier this month, Arab leaders endorsed a $53 billion Egyptian-led reconstruction initiative designed to rehabilitate Gaza without displacing its population. This stands in stark contrast to U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial proposal, which included a U.S.-led reconstruction effort following a military takeover of Gaza and the potential permanent relocation of Palestinians.
Trump’s plan has heightened long-standing Palestinian fears of forced displacement and has been widely condemned by the international community. Many see it as reinforcing concerns that the Palestinian people could be permanently removed from their homeland under the guise of post-war reconstruction.
