Israel Discusses Gaza Resident Relocation
with South Sudan, Libya, Uganda, and Somaliland
Israeli broadcaster N12 reported on August 13 (local time) that Israel and the United States are discussing plans to relocate Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip with five other countries.
According to sources, Israel and the United States are holding talks with Indonesia, South Sudan, Libya, Uganda, and the unrecognized state of Somaliland on this issue. The sources noted that some countries, such as Indonesia and Somaliland, have shown more openness than before to accepting immigrants from the Gaza Strip, with some progress being made with these two. However, N12 stated that "no concrete agreement has been reached with any country," and predicted that negotiations would continue.
Indonesia, where the majority of the population is Muslim, supports Palestinian independence, which it considers a brother nation, and does not have diplomatic relations with Israel. Earlier this month, Indonesia announced that it would bring 2,000 injured people from the Gaza Strip to its country for treatment. In April, Indonesia also stated that it would temporarily accept war refugees from Gaza, announcing plans to receive about 1,000 people in the first phase.
The previous day, the Associated Press also reported that South Sudan in East Africa is discussing the issue of relocating residents with Israel. Previously, the Associated Press reported that Israel had explored the possibility of resettling Palestinian residents in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland. The Associated Press analyzed that, while South Sudan, which has been suffering from financial difficulties, might consider accepting Palestinian residents for diplomatic and economic benefits, it is unlikely that residents would voluntarily choose to move to South Sudan. South Sudan, which has endured a long civil war, is currently unstable due to corruption and famine.
On this day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in an interview with i24 News that "even under the laws of war, it is right to allow residents to leave and then enter the area to fight the remaining enemies with all our might." He also cited cases in conflict zones such as Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan, arguing that the relocation of civilians from the Gaza Strip should be permitted. Netanyahu added that Israel is discussing resettlement plans with other countries.
Reports that Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharon Haskel planned to visit South Sudan on this day to meet with President Salva Kiir, as well as the foreign minister and the speaker of parliament, drew further attention to the relocation plans. The daily Times of Israel noted the significance of this being the first official visit by an Israeli government representative to South Sudan.
However, South Sudan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on X (formerly Twitter) strongly denying recent media reports that South Sudan is in talks with Israel regarding the resettlement of Palestinian residents from the Gaza Strip. The ministry emphasized that "these claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy of the government of South Sudan."
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