Reports surfaced earlier this week alleging that South Sudan was engaged in discussions with Israel regarding the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza. These reports, citing sources familiar with the matter, indicated that Israel was actively seeking agreements with third countries to facilitate mass emigration from the besieged territory, ravaged by the ongoing conflict.
However, the South Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation swiftly issued a statement refuting these claims. The ministry described the reports as ‘baseless’ and explicitly stated that they do not reflect the government’s official position or policy. This strong denial underscores the sensitive nature of the issue and the potential ramifications for South Sudan if involved.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began in 2023 with Hamas attacks on Israel, has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis. Estimates place the death toll in Gaza at over 61,000, with the UN warning that millions more face famine. This dire situation has fueled international discussions regarding potential solutions, including resettlement initiatives.
This isn’t the first time such resettlement proposals have been floated. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump suggested moving Gazans to other countries as part of a plan to transform the region. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also expressed support for a similar idea, proposing a full military takeover of Gaza before handing it to a transitional Arab government. Such proposals have drawn significant criticism, with many calling them forced displacement or even ethnic cleansing.
Adding fuel to the fire, the Financial Times reported that the Boston Consulting Group had modeled the relocation of a significant portion of the Palestinian population to other countries, including Somalia. Both Somalia and Somaliland have previously denied receiving any such proposals.
The timing of the denials is notable, as South Sudanese President Salva Kiir Mayardit recently met with Israel’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel for high-level talks focused on strengthening bilateral ties in various sectors. While this meeting aimed to foster cooperation in areas like energy and agriculture, the controversy surrounding resettlement allegations casts a shadow over these efforts.
The situation remains highly volatile, with international pressure mounting to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The denial from South Sudan highlights the complexity of potential resettlement solutions and underscores the need for careful consideration of all ethical and logistical implications.
