Sudan and Somalia have both rejected US requests to discuss the resettlement of Palestinians displaced by Trump’s Gaza plan. Officials from both countries emphasized their commitment to Palestinian rights and the illegality of forced resettlement, despite US proposals that include military and reconstruction assistance. The broader regional and international implications of these refusals highlight the complicated dynamics surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Sudan has officially rejected a request from the United States to discuss the possibility of accepting Palestinians displaced from Gaza under Donald Trump’s proposed plan. This information comes from Sudanese officials who indicated that discussions with both the US and Israel were initiated, despite the continuing international backlash against the plan. The discussions appear aimed at compelling regional actors to formulate their own resolutions regarding Gaza amid ongoing hostilities.
United States officials contacted Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland concerning the resettlement of Palestinians. Sudanese officials confirmed that these inquiries began prior to Trump’s inauguration, further stating that offers of military support and reconstruction aid had been made in exchange for considering the resettlement proposal. The officials firmly rejected the initiative, noting that, “This suggestion was immediately rebuffed.”
In Somalia, foreign minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi did not confirm any requests from the US or Israel but emphasized that Somalia would not permit its territory to be used to resettle populations at the expense of Palestinian rights. Trump’s plan proposes that the over two million residents of Gaza be permanently displaced to transform the territory into an upscale international tourism and business center, drawing criticism for its legality under international law.
Both Egypt and Jordan initially faced suggestions to accept displaced Palestinians but subsequently opposed the plan. Palestinians in Gaza have also dismissed the proposal, stating that any displacement would not be voluntary. In contrast, Arab countries have suggested a multibillion-dollar reconstruction effort that would allow Palestinians to remain in their homeland.
The White House reaffirms Trump’s commitment to his proposal, despite the overwhelming opposition. There were undisclosed diplomatic discussions involving Somali and Somaliland officials, reported to have begun shortly after the announcement of the Gaza plan. However, both Israel and the US have refrained from commenting on these discussions or their progress.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has praised Trump’s proposal as a “bold vision,” while Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich has suggested identifying countries able to accept Palestinian emigrants. Experts assert that such actions could contravene international law, potentially categorizing them as war crimes, given the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Although Sudan was among the nations that agreed to normalize relations with Israel, it quickly fell into civil unrest marked by significant human rights violations. The US proposed incentives to the Sudanese government, including military support, in exchange for consideration of resettling Palestinians. However, Sudan’s military leader, General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, has reiterated a categorical rejection of any plans to transfer Palestinians from their land under any circumstances.
Discussions with Somaliland, which has operated independently from Somalia for over thirty years but remains unrecognized internationally, have not yielded any confirmation of involvement in accepting Palestinian resettlements. An anonymous local official stated that Somaliland had not engaged with anyone regarding this matter. Somalia’s government has also denied being approached about resettlement, aligning itself with Palestinian support during recent Arab summit discussions.
In summary, both Sudan and Somalia have unequivocally rejected US requests to discuss the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza under Trump’s controversial plan. These denials highlight a broader resistance against forced displacement and emphasize the need for solutions that respect Palestinian rights. The rejection underscores ongoing regional tensions and international legal considerations, particularly as humanitarian crises persist within Gaza. The situation remains fluid, with broader implications for international relations in the region.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
