Sudanese officials have declined US requests to discuss resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza under Trump’s plan, which aims to convert Gaza into a luxury destination. Somalia and Somaliland have also rejected similar proposals. The initiative faces strong opposition from both local populations and international legal experts, emphasizing the need for respect towards Palestinian rights and sovereignty.
Sudanese officials have rejected a request from the United States to discuss the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from Gaza under former President Donald Trump’s plan. This proposal aimed to transform Gaza into a luxurious Mediterranean destination, effectively displacing over 2 million residents. Contacts from the US and Israel to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland indicate a determination to advance this initiative despite considerable international backlash and operational challenges.
According to two officials from Sudan, the Trump administration initially approached them even before his inauguration, offering military support in exchange for accepting Palestinians. However, the Sudanese government firmly rejected the proposal, with one official stating, “This suggestion was immediately rebuffed. No one opened this matter again.”
In Somalia, Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi refrained from confirming requests from the US or Israel but asserted the country’s disapproval of using its territory for resettling displaced populations. Somalia maintains a commitment to supporting the Palestinians’ right to their ancestral lands.
As Trump’s plan suggests the complete displacement of Gaza’s inhabitants for extensive reconstruction, experts warn that any forced relocation would violate international law. Initial destinations considered for Palestinians included Egypt and Jordan, both of which rejected the plan unequivocally.
Palestinians have also expressed their strong opposition to the resettlement plan, insisting that the suggested departures would not be voluntary. During this period, Arab nations are proposing an alternative reconstruction initiative that would retain the Palestinian population in Gaza.
The White House continues to assert support for Trump’s “vision.” US and Israeli officials have reported ongoing discussions with Somalia and Somaliland about the resettlement, although progress remains unclear. The outreach began shortly after the proposal was publicly mentioned.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Trump’s proposal as a ‘bold vision,’ while officials such as Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have indicated they are working to identify countries where Palestinians could be relocated. Legal experts have cautioned that such actions could constitute unlawful emigration or war crimes, given the existing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Despite normalizing diplomatic relations with Israel in 2020, Sudan has been engulfed in civil strife and humanitarian disasters. Sudanese leadership has expressed categorical rejection of any plan that would transfer Palestinians out of Gaza. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, Sudan’s head of state, declared the country’s opposition at a recent summit, stating the country would not accept any justification for displacing Palestinians from their homeland.
Somaliland, which remains unrecognized internationally despite its secession from Somalia, has not officially engaged in discussions regarding the resettlement of Palestinians. An American official confirmed ongoing diplomatic efforts with Somaliland but did not indicate any concrete plans or discussions about the resettlement scenario.
Somalia, a staunch supporter of Palestinian rights, has similarly dismissed claims of being approached for resettlement talks, reaffirming its commitment to Palestinian solidarity amidst its efforts to build ties with Arab nations and Turkey. Currently, Somalia faces governance challenges due to the influence of the al-Shabaab militia, complicating any potential resettlement plans.
In conclusion, Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland have collectively rejected US requests to resettle Palestinians displaced by Trump’s Gaza plan. The proposed initiative has garnered significant backlash due to concerns over legality and moral implications. These nations have reaffirmed their commitment to Palestinian rights, underscoring a unified stance against forced displacement. As international discussions continue, the focus remains on finding solutions that respect the sovereignty and dignity of the Palestinian people.
Original Source: www.theguardian.com
