Reports suggest that the US and Israel are considering the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to East African countries. Officials from Sudan have rejected the proposal, while discussions continue with Somalia and Somaliland. The plan has been condemned by international observers, who emphasize its potential violations of human rights.
Recent reports indicate that the United States and Israel have engaged in discussions regarding the potential forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to various East African nations, specifically Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. Officials from Sudan have publicly dismissed such overtures, while representatives from Somalia and Somaliland profess ignorance of any related diplomatic communications.
According to unnamed sources from US and Israeli administrations, the outreach towards the East African nations gained momentum following a controversial suggestion made by former President Donald Trump to displace Palestinians. The Israeli government allegedly took the lead in these discussions, though the outcome and level of progress remain unclear. Many stakeholders in the region have characterized this proposed plan as a form of ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, known for advocating for what he terms “voluntary” emigration of Palestinians, stated that Israel is actively identifying potential welcoming countries. An extensive emigration department is reportedly being established within the Israeli Ministry of Defense to facilitate these efforts.
Tamer Qarmout, an academic from the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, has condemned the notion of forcibly displacing Palestinians, asserting it crosses a “red line”. He emphasized that global governments bear a responsibility to suppress what he termed an outrageous plan, particularly towards nations like Sudan and Somalia that already face dire hardships due to their colonial histories.
In exchange for accepting displaced Palestinians, East African governments are rumored to be offered various incentives, including financial packages and new diplomatic relations. A US official suggested that Somaliland could receive international recognition in return for cooperation with the United States, a priority for its current leadership.
The rationale behind Somalia’s potential involvement has been questioned, given its historical support for Palestinian rights. Legal and conflict research expert Sambu Chepkorir noted the shifting alliances may hide ulterior motives for engaging Somalia.
Furthermore, two Sudanese officials revealed that contacts regarding Palestinian resettlement were initiated during the Trump administration, alongside offers of military support and aid for postwar recovery. However, these proposals were firmly rejected, indicating unwillingness from Sudan to entertain such discussions moving forward.
In summary, discussions between the United States and Israel regarding the forced displacement of Palestinians to East Africa have surfaced, with Sudan rejecting overtures while Somalia and Somaliland remain noncommittal. Advocacy against this proposal emphasizes its potential violation of human rights. The role of international incentives in these discussions and the uncertain motivations of involved nations highlight the complexities of this geopolitical issue.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
