The United States and Israel have approached officials in three East African nations—Sudan, Somalia, and the breakaway region of Somaliland—to discuss the possibility of relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip as part of President Donald Trump’s controversial postwar plan, according to American and Israeli officials who spoke to The Associated Press.
The outreach reflects the determination of both nations to advance a proposal that has sparked widespread condemnation and raised significant legal and ethical concerns. Critics argue that the plan, which envisions permanently resettling Gaza’s more than 2 million residents, could amount to a forced displacement—a potential war crime under international law.
The proposal has also drawn skepticism due to the economic and security challenges faced by the proposed host countries. Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland are among the world’s poorest regions, with some areas plagued by ongoing violence. This has cast doubt on Trump’s claim that Palestinians would be resettled in a “beautiful area.”
Sudanese officials have reportedly rejected the overtures, while representatives from Somalia and Somaliland told The Associated Press they were unaware of any such discussions.
Trump’s plan, unveiled last month during a White House meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calls for the U.S. to take control of Gaza, oversee a lengthy cleanup process, and redevelop the territory as a real estate project. Netanyahu has praised the proposal as a “bold vision,” but Palestinians in Gaza have vehemently rejected it, dismissing Israeli assurances that any relocations would be voluntary.
Arab nations have also opposed the plan, instead advocating for a reconstruction effort that would allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza. Human rights groups have warned that pressuring or forcing Palestinians to leave could violate international law.
Despite the backlash, the White House has reaffirmed that Trump “stands by his vision.” U.S. and Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the diplomatic outreach to the three East African nations but noted it was unclear how much progress had been made or at what level the discussions occurred.
The outreach began shortly after Trump and Netanyahu unveiled the plan, with Israel reportedly taking the lead in negotiations. Both nations are said to be offering a mix of financial, diplomatic, and security incentives to potential host countries—a strategy reminiscent of the Abraham Accords, which Trump brokered in 2020 to normalize relations between Israel and several Arab states.
While the White House, Netanyahu’s office, and Israeli Cabinet Minister Ron Dermer declined to comment, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a longtime proponent of “voluntary” Palestinian emigration, revealed that Israel is actively identifying countries willing to accept Gazans. He also announced plans to establish a “very large emigration department” within Israel’s Defense Ministry to oversee the effort.
The proposal has reignited debate over the future of Gaza and the rights of its Palestinian population, with critics warning that such a plan could exacerbate regional tensions and undermine prospects for a lasting peace.
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