US and Israel ask East African countries to resettle Palestinians: Report

According to the Associated Press (AP), U.S. and Israeli officials have reportedly approached the governments of three East African nations, requesting that they accept displaced Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. This news has sparked widespread concern in the international community and could have far-reaching implications for the regional situation. The potential impact on regional stability is being closely monitored.

The Associated Press reported last Friday that the U.S. and Israel began discussions last month with the governments of Sudan, Somalia, and its breakaway region of Somaliland regarding the forced relocation of Palestinians. This move is seen as part of the two countries' efforts to find a solution to the Gaza issue, but its legality and feasibility are highly contested. The ethical considerations surrounding such a proposal are also being debated.

Previously, former U.S. President Trump suggested in February that the U.S. could "take over" the Gaza Strip and expel Palestinians. His remarks prompted Egypt to draft an alternative plan for the reconstruction of Gaza, which has been adopted by Arab leaders. Egypt's $53 billion plan rejects the expulsion of Palestinians and instead focuses on rebuilding the Gaza Strip without reducing its population. This plan aims to provide a sustainable and humane solution for the region.

Nevertheless, the AP report suggests that the U.S. may have responded to the rejection of its expulsion plan by Arab governments last month by turning its attention further afield. However, the foreign ministers of both Somalia and Somaliland denied on Friday that they had received proposals from the U.S. or Israel to resettle Palestinians in their countries. This indicates a potential shift in strategy and a search for alternative solutions.

Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moallim Fiqi stated that Somalia rejects "any proposal or initiative from any party that would undermine the right of the Palestinian people to live peacefully on their ancestral land." A senior Sudanese official also denied that Sudan had received a related proposal, telling Reuters that such a plan was unacceptable. These rejections highlight the challenges and complexities involved in addressing the Palestinian issue.