The United States and Israel are reportedly discussing the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to East Africa, targeting Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. While Sudan has denied any overtures, Somalia and Somaliland officials expressed unawareness. The proposal, initially suggested by former President Trump, has been condemned as ethnic cleansing. Experts warn against such plans, citing historical ramifications and calling for global opposition.
Recent discussions between the United States and Israel have reportedly included proposals for the forced displacement of Palestinians from Gaza to East Africa, specifically targeting Sudan, Somalia, and the breakaway region of Somaliland. US and Israeli officials disclosed that these conversations have transpired with these governments, although Sudan has publicly refuted any overtures from the US, while Somalia and Somaliland officials claimed ignorance of any such contacts.
The initiative surfaced following a controversial suggestion by former President Donald Trump, advocating for the forcible relocation of Palestinians, which has been condemned by various Palestinian and Middle Eastern entities as an act of ethnic cleansing. Following Trump’s remarks, outreach to the targeted countries commenced, allegedly led by Israeli officials.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich openly expressed that Israel is working on identifying nations willing to accept displaced Palestinians, indicating the establishment of a significant emigration department within the Ministry of Defense to facilitate this process. However, immediate responses from both the US and Israeli governments regarding these reports have not been forthcoming.
Tamer Qarmout, an academic from the Doha Institute, characterized the notion of forcibly moving Palestinians as a “red line that should not be crossed”. Qarmout urged global authorities to reject such proposals which could exacerbate ongoing legacies of colonialism in regions like Sudan and Somalia, both of which face substantial challenges due to this history.
Incentives for these East African nations might include financial support, diplomatic leverage, and enhanced security cooperation. Reportedly, the US is engaging in discreet talks with Somaliland to discuss potential areas of cooperation that could lead to international recognition for the region, which holds significance for its current president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi.
Despite the challenges, some analysts express skepticism regarding Somalia’s willingness to accept Palestinians, given its strong historical support for Palestinian autonomy. Sambu Chepkorir, a lawyer in Nairobi, noted the fluctuating dynamics and hinted at possible ulterior motives behind Somalia’s involvement in these discussions. Furthermore, Sudanese officials mentioned that the Trump administration had previously proposed accepting Palestinians with various incentives, but these offers were categorically rejected.
In conclusion, the discussions between the United States and Israel regarding the potential forced displacement of Palestinians to East African nations have raised significant international concern. While the idea has been rejected by the governments of Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, key figures have articulated strong opposition to such plans, emphasizing the historical injustices faced by these nations. The situation remains delicate as the geopolitical implications continue to evolve and the global community watches closely for further developments.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
