Sudan, Somalia Reject US-Israel Proposal to Resettle Palestinians from Gaza
Sudan has firmly rejected a proposal from the United States to discuss resettling Palestinians from Gaza, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland claim they were unaware of any such contacts, according to an Associated Press report published Friday. The outreach to these three East African nations, confirmed by unnamed US and Israeli officials, represents an attempt to advance President Donald Trump's controversial plan to permanently relocate Gaza's more than 2 million Palestinians and transform the territory into what he has described as a "Middle East Riviera." The diplomatic initiative has faced widespread international condemnation, with critics questioning both its legality and the selection of potential host countries that are among the world's poorest and, in Sudan's case, currently experiencing civil war.
Behind Closed Doors: The Secret Diplomatic Initiative
The diplomatic outreach to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland began last month, shortly after Trump presented his Gaza plan alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, according to US officials cited by the Associated Press. These officials indicated that Israel is taking the lead in the discussions.
"Speaking on condition of anonymity to discuss a secret diplomatic initiative, US and Israeli officials confirmed the contacts with Somalia and Somaliland, while the Americans confirmed Sudan as well," the AP reported. The officials acknowledged uncertainty about how much progress the efforts had made or at what level the discussions took place.
The White House has declined to comment on these outreach efforts. At the same time, the offices of Netanyahu and Ron Dermer, the Israeli Cabinet minister leading Israel's postwar planning, also offered no comment when approached by reporters.
Sudan's Categorical Rejection
Two Sudanese officials, speaking on condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the diplomatic matter, confirmed to the Associated Press that the Trump administration had approached the military-led government about accepting Palestinians.
"This suggestion was immediately rebuffed," one official stated. "No one opened this matter again."
According to one of these officials, the contacts began even before Trump's inauguration, with the US offering military assistance against the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, help with postwar reconstruction, and other incentives.
Sudan's military chief, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, publicly reinforced this position at a recent Arab leaders' summit in Cairo, stating that his country "categorically rejects" any plan to transfer "the brotherly Palestinians from their land under whatever justification or name."
Somalia and Somaliland: Conflicting Claims
Officials from Somalia and Somaliland told the Associated Press they were unaware of any contacts regarding Palestinian resettlement. However, US officials contradicted these claims, asserting that discussions had occurred.
A Somali official, speaking anonymously as he was not authorized to discuss the matter with the media, insisted to the AP that the country had not been approached about relocating Palestinians from Gaza and that no discussions had occurred on this topic.
The situation appears more complex for Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago but lacks international recognition. An American official involved in the negotiations confirmed to the AP that the US is "having a quiet conversation with Somaliland about a range of areas where they can be helpful to the US in exchange for recognition."
The possibility of US recognition could provide a powerful incentive for Somaliland's newly elected president, Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, who has prioritized international recognition for the territory of over 3 million people.
Trump's Controversial Vision for Gaza
The outreach to African nations follows Trump's February announcement of a plan to relocate Gaza's Palestinian population and transform the territory permanently. Under this proposal, the US would take ownership of Gaza, oversee a lengthy cleanup process, and develop it as a real estate project.
"Under Trump's plan, Gaza's more than 2 million people would be permanently sent elsewhere," the Associated Press reported. Trump has characterized the destination as a "beautiful area," though the selection of potential host countries like Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland—all facing significant economic challenges and, in some cases, ongoing violence—has raised questions about this characterization.
The plan has evolved from what was once considered a fringe idea promoted by Israel's ultranationalist politicians. Since Trump presented it at the White House last month, Netanyahu has embraced it as a "bold vision."
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a longtime advocate of what he terms "voluntary" Palestinian emigration, stated this week that Israel is actively seeking nations willing to accept Palestinian refugees and is establishing a "large emigration department" within its Ministry of Defense, according to Al Jazeera.
Palestinian and Arab Rejection
Palestinians in Gaza have categorically rejected the proposal, dismissing Israeli claims that any departures would be voluntary. Hamas spokesperson Husam Badran emphasized this position, stating, "The Palestinian people remain steadfast and committed to their land, refusing to abandon their homeland regardless of the U.S. President's stance," as reported by Newsweek.
Arab nations have expressed vehement opposition to the plan. Earlier this month, Arab leaders endorsed a $53 billion Egyptian reconstruction plan for Gaza that would avoid displacing Palestinians from the enclave, presenting a direct alternative to Trump's vision.
Human rights groups have warned that forcing or pressuring Palestinians to leave could constitute a war crime under international law. The forcible transfer of civilian populations is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions, to which both the US and Israel are signatories.
Sudan: A Country in Crisis
The approach to Sudan is particularly striking given the country's current humanitarian crisis. Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between government forces and the RSF paramilitary group since April 2023.
The conflict has been marked by atrocities, including ethnically motivated killing and rape, according to the United Nations and human rights groups. The International Criminal Court is investigating alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, and the Biden administration in January 2025 said the RSF and its proxies were committing genocide.
"Sudan is one of the few places on earth that may be worse than Gaza in the scope of the violence and human suffering," noted Responsible Statecraft in its analysis of the situation.
Despite these conditions, US officials reportedly offered incentives to the Khartoum government, including debt relief, weapons, technology, and diplomatic support in exchange for accepting Palestinians.
The Abraham Accords Template
Trump's approach to these African nations appears to follow a formula He used during his first term when he brokered the Abraham Accords, a series of diplomatic agreements between Israel and four Arab countries, including Sudan.
"Israel and the US have a variety of incentives—financial, diplomatic, and security—to offer these potential partners," the Associated Press reported, drawing parallels to the earlier diplomatic initiative.
As part of the Abraham Accords, the US removed Sudan from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, giving the country access to international loans and global legitimacy. However, relations with Israel never fully developed as Sudan descended into civil war.
International Legal and Ethical Concerns
The proposal to relocate Gaza's Palestinian population raises serious legal and ethical questions. Tamer Qarmout, associate professor at the Doha Institute for Graduate Studies, told Al Jazeera that the forced relocation of Palestinians is a "red line" that should not be crossed.
"Governments around the world have a responsibility to oppose this outrageous proposal and should refuse to engage with Israel on any such scenarios, particularly regarding the displacement of Palestinians to African countries, many of which are still dealing with the legacy of colonialism," Qarmout stated.
The Associated Press noted that rights groups have warned that "forcing or pressuring the Palestinians to leave could be a potential war crime." This assessment aligns with international humanitarian law, which prohibits the forcible transfer of civilian populations.
Looking Ahead: Uncertain Future
Despite widespread rejection and legal concerns, the White House maintains that Trump "stands by his vision" for Gaza, according to the Associated Press. This suggests that efforts to find potential Palestinian destinations may continue, even as initial approaches have been rebuffed.
The contrasting visions for Gaza's future—Trump's relocation plan versus the Arab-backed $53 billion reconstruction initiative—highlight the deep divisions over how to address the territory's future following the current conflict. The path forward remains highly uncertain as international opposition to the relocation plan intensifies and potential host countries reject overtures.
The situation continues to evolve against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, which began after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on southern Israel. As diplomatic initiatives unfold, the fate of Gaza's more than 2 million Palestinian residents hangs in the balance, with fundamental questions about their future and right to remain in their homeland at the center of international debate.