The United States and Israel have reportedly reached out to officials from three East African territories - Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland - regarding the potential resettlement of displaced Palestinians from Gaza.
This controversial plan, which forms part of US President Donald Trump's proposed postwar strategy, has been widely condemned and raises significant legal and ethical concerns, according to American officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
Despite strong opposition from Arab nations and human rights groups, the US and Israel appear committed to advancing the relocation initiative. Trump’s proposal suggests permanently transferring Gaza’s population - over two million people - to alternative locations, with the US assuming control of Gaza, managing its postwar recovery, and developing it into a real estate project.
While the plan has been praised by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as a “bold vision,” Palestinians and many international observers dismiss it as an attempt at forced displacement. Critics argue that pressuring Palestinians to leave their homeland could constitute a war crime.
US and Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland but indicated uncertainty regarding how far negotiations had progressed or at what level they were taking place. The outreach reportedly began shortly after Trump publicly introduced his vision for Gaza alongside Netanyahu.
Sudan, one of the four nations that signed the 2020 Abraham Accords to normalise ties with Israel, has reportedly been approached by US officials about hosting Palestinian refugees. The US had previously removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism as part of the diplomatic agreement, paving the way for international aid and economic support.
However, Sudan has been embroiled in a brutal civil war between the government and the RSF paramilitary group, with atrocities such as ethnic killings and sexual violence drawing global condemnation. The International Criminal Court is investigating possible war crimes in the country.
Given the instability, persuading Palestinians to relocate to Sudan would be challenging. Nevertheless, the US and Israel could offer military aid, economic incentives, and diplomatic support in exchange for cooperation. However, Sudanese officials insist that the proposal was firmly rejected.
“This suggestion was immediately rebuffed,” a Sudanese official stated. Military chief Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan echoed this sentiment at a recent Arab summit, declaring Sudan’s “categorical rejection” of any plan that seeks to remove Palestinians from their homeland.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region of Somalia, has maintained its own government, currency, and security forces since breaking away in 1991. However, it remains unrecognised internationally.
US officials confirmed that discussions with Somaliland included broader topics beyond the Palestinian relocation plan, including the possibility of formal recognition from Washington. Somaliland’s new president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has prioritised gaining global recognition, which could serve as a bargaining tool in negotiations.
While Somaliland has historically expressed solidarity with Palestine, the potential for diplomatic recognition and economic incentives could influence its stance. The region has strategic significance due to its proximity to Yemen’s Gulf of Aden, a hotspot for geopolitical tensions.
However, a Somaliland official denied any formal discussions on the matter, stating that their government had not been approached regarding the relocation of Palestinians.
Somalia, which has historically supported the Palestinian cause, seems an unlikely destination for displaced Gazans. The Somali government joined an Arab League summit rejecting Trump’s plan and has regularly hosted demonstrations in solidarity with Palestine.
While some experts speculate that shifting regional alliances could influence Somalia’s future decisions, a Somali official confirmed that no discussions had taken place regarding Palestinian resettlement.
Despite global opposition, the White House has reaffirmed Trump’s commitment to the plan. Financial and diplomatic incentives similar to those used in the 2020 Abraham Accords could be leveraged to persuade African nations to participate.
Meanwhile, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich revealed that Israel is actively identifying countries willing to accept Palestinian migrants and is setting up a dedicated “emigration department” within its Defense Ministry.