US and Israel eye three African countries for the resettlement of displaced Palestinians from Gaza
Trump has proposed a U.S.-led takeover of Gaza following Israel’s military assault, which has killed tens of thousands over the past 17 months.
The U.S. and Israel have reached out to officials from three East African countries to explore the possibility of resettling Palestinians from Gaza, according to a report by the Associated Press.
The proposal was discussed with officials from Sudan, Somalia, and the self-declared independent region of Somaliland, the AP reported, citing the same sources.
The development shows the determination of the U.S. and Israel to press ahead with a plan that has been widely condemned and raised serious legal and moral issues.
Given that all three locations are economically struggling and, in some cases, plagued by violence, the proposal also casts doubt on Trump’s claim of resettling Gaza’s Palestinians in a so-called “beautiful area.”
However, Sudanese officials stated that they had rejected the U.S. proposal, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland said they were unaware of any such discussions.
Earlier this month, Arab leaders approved a $53 billion Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, aiming to rebuild the enclave without displacing Palestinians, an approach that contrasts with former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of a “Middle East Riviera.”
Trump has proposed a U.S.-led takeover of Gaza following Israel’s military assault, which has killed tens of thousands over the past 17 months.
His plan includes reconstructing the devastated enclave while previously suggesting the permanent displacement of Palestinians. Under Trump’s plan, Gaza’s more than 2 million people would be permanently sent elsewhere.
The proposal has reinforced long-standing Palestinian fears of forced removal from their homeland and was met with widespread international rejection.
