- U.S. and Israeli officials are considering moving Palestinians displaced from the war in Gaza to Africa. Anonymous American and Israeli sources tell The Associated Press that the nations have reached out to three East African regions with the idea.
- The countries reportedly being considered are Sudan and Somalia, with a breakaway region from Somalia, Somaliland, also being considered.
- Human rights advocates are concerned about the plan because all of the nations face poverty and, in some cases, widespread violence.
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Anonymous American and Israeli sources told The Associated Press in a report published on Friday, March 14, that the two nations have reached out to three East African regions with an idea regarding Palestinian refugees. They have proposed moving these Palestinians, displaced by the war in Gaza, to nations in Africa.
The countries reportedly being considered are Sudan and Somalia, with a breakaway region from Somalia, Somaliland, also being considered.
Why are some concerned?
Human rights advocates are concerned about the plan because all of the nations face poverty and, in some cases, widespread violence. Critics also say that it conflicts with Trump’s promise to resettle Gaza’s Palestinians in a “beautiful area,” and much of the world is opposed to the mass removal of Palestinians from their homes.
Officials from Sudan tell the AP that they rejected the proposal, while those from Somalia and Somaliland said they were unaware of any such talks.
What has the Trump administration previously proposed?
The Trump administration has repeatedly pushed for Gaza’s more than 2 million people to be permanently resettled in other countries.
President Donald Trump has also said he wants the United States to take over the territory, lead postwar recovery efforts and develop it into a real estate haven, even sharing an AI-generated version of an imaginary future Gaza Strip last month on Truth Social.
Trump shared those ideas with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month, who welcomed it as a “bold vision.”
How have other countries and Palestinians responded?
Besides the African nations in question, Palestinians have also rejected the idea of leaving Gaza.
Aside from Gaza’s residents, Arab nations have also opposed moving them out of the region, and have offered alternative postwar reconstruction plans.
When did negotiations reportedly begin?
Negotiations between the U.S. and Israel with the African regions being floated as Palestinian destinations reportedly began last month, days after Trump revealed his Gaza vision to Netanyahu, American sources told the AP.
The White House and Israeli government have yet to officially comment on the matter.
