Sudan has rejected a US request to discuss resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza under Trump’s plan, which aims to transform the territory into a luxury destination. Officials from Sudan and Somalia affirmed their opposition to any plans that would violate Palestinian rights, reinforcing their commitment amid international criticism of forced displacement. Legal experts warn that such actions could constitute war crimes.
Sudan has firmly rejected a request from the United States to discuss the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza under Donald Trump’s controversial plan. This plan aimed to transform Gaza into a luxurious Mediterranean resort, but Sudanese officials confirmed that both the military-led government and diplomats had declined any discussions regarding the acceptance of Palestinian refugees.
The Associated Press reported that Sudan was approached by the US and Israel, along with Somalia and Somaliland, to facilitate the resettlement of displaced Palestinians. Despite these proposals, which have raised significant international criticism, Sudan’s officials have dismissed the notion, with one stating, “This suggestion was immediately rebuffed. No one opened this matter again.”
Somalia’s Foreign Minister, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, refrained from confirming any US or Israeli requests but emphasized that Somalia would not consider using its territory for the resettlement of foreign populations or undermine Palestinian rights. The planned dislocation of Gaza’s 2 million residents, under Trump’s initiative for reconstruction, has been criticized as illegal under international law.
Initially, Egypt and Jordan were proposed as resettlement destinations, but both countries vehemently opposed the idea. Palestinian representatives in Gaza have also rejected the resettlement plan, deeming it involuntary, while Arab nations are advocating for a multibillion-dollar reconstruction initiative that would allow Palestinians to remain in their homeland.
The White House has asserted that Trump supports his proposal, which some Israeli officials have characterized as a bold vision. However, international legal experts warn that the relocation of Palestinians under these conditions could violate humanitarian laws and possibly constitute war crimes.
Although Sudan had normalized relations with Israel as part of the Abraham Accords in 2020, it is now embroiled in a civil conflict characterized by widespread atrocities. US efforts to entice Sudan with military support against the opposing paramilitary forces have been met with rejection, with Sudan’s military leader stating that the country unequivocally denies any plans associated with the forcible resettlement of Palestinians.
In addition to Sudan, Somaliland, which only possesses limited international recognition, has also been mentioned in relation to planned Palestinian resettlement discussions. Nevertheless, Somaliland’s officials have denied any negotiations regarding this matter. In contrast, Somalia has openly supported Palestinian causes and rejected any plans that involve Palestinian resettlement, affirming its commitment to the Palestinian people.
In conclusion, Sudan’s outright rejection of a US proposal to resettle Palestinians marks a significant stance against the controversial Gaza plan originally presented by Donald Trump. Both Sudan and Somalia have articulated their refusal to accept any arrangement that compromises Palestinian rights. Furthermore, the international community continues to express concern over the legal and ethical implications of potentially forced resettlement, setting a contentious backdrop for future discussions regarding the Gaza region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
