In an unprecedented move, the United States and Israel have initiated discussions with officials from three East African governments, exploring the possibility of utilizing their territories for the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip. This initiative is part of a post-conflict plan proposed by President Donald Trump, according to statements from American and Israeli officials.
The countries engaged in these talks include Sudan, Somalia, and the self-declared republic of Somaliland, as reported by officials. Despite facing harsh criticism and entailing complex legal and ethical challenges, the U.S. and Israel appear resolute in their pursuit of this controversial plan. Given the economic struggles and violence present in these regions, there is skepticism regarding Trump’s promise to relocate Palestinians to a “beautiful area.”
Sudanese officials have dismissed any propositions from the United States, and Somali and Somaliland representatives stated they were unaware of any such communications. The proposal envisions the complete relocation of Gaza’s over 2 million residents, with the U.S. taking control of the territory for a prolonged decontamination and redevelopment effort.
Previously dismissed as a fringe idea within Israel’s ultranationalist circles, this proposal gained traction when introduced by Trump during a White House discussion last month. It received praise from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described it as a “bold vision.” Conversely, Gazan Palestinians have unequivocally rejected the plan, viewing Israeli assertions of voluntary relocation as disingenuous. Across the Arab world, there is significant opposition, with alternative reconstruction plans suggested that involve keeping the Palestinian population in place. Human rights organizations warn that coercing Palestinians to leave could potentially constitute a war crime.
Despite the controversy, the White House maintains that Trump remains committed to his vision, according to officials who chose to speak anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the diplomatic initiative. U.S. and Israeli officials confirmed their outreach to Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan. However, the details surrounding the progression and level of discussions remain unclear.
The diplomatic overtures to these three regions began shortly after Trump shared his Gaza proposal alongside Netanyahu, marking the start of a series of initiatives, with Israel spearheading the discussions. Leveraging a mix of financial, diplomatic, and security incentives, the U.S. and Israel aim to secure partnerships akin to the Abraham Accords facilitated by Trump five years ago, which enhanced diplomatic connections between Israel and several Arab nations.
Neither the White House nor the offices of Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu and Cabinet Minister Ron Dermer, who are involved in strategic planning, have commented on these outreach efforts. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich noted Israel’s exploration of countries willing to accept Palestinians, alongside preparations for a new department dedicated to emigration within its Defense Ministry.
In the context of the contacted nations, Sudan previously established diplomatic ties with Israel under the Abraham Accords in 2020, which facilitated international financial engagements by removing it from a U.S. terrorism list. However, Sudan’s internal conflicts, including a civil war, raise concerns about its viability as a resettlement option. Sudanese officials have unequivocally rejected the notion of accepting Palestinians, emphasizing the lack of discussions on the matter.
Meanwhile, Somaliland’s quest for international recognition could present an opportunity for American engagement, despite the territory’s current stance of solidarity with the Palestinians. The strategic positioning and relative political stability of Somaliland contrast with Somalia’s current upheavals, though the territory’s low-income levels pose additional challenges to resettlement initiatives.
Somalia’s clear support for Palestinian sovereignty and participation in actions against Trump’s plan render it an unlikely candidate for such an arrangement. Somalian officials corroborated the lack of contact regarding the Palestinian resettlement issue. The complexities surrounding this initiative continue to unfold, drawing opinions and actions from various global entities.
