(The National Pulse)—Israel is reportedly in talks with South Sudan about the possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, according to six sources familiar with the discussions. The move is part of Israel’s broader strategy to encourage emigration from the Gaza Strip, which Israel’s ongoing conflict with Hamas has heavily degraded.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed a desire to relocate Gaza’s population, framing this as “voluntary migration.” Similar resettlement proposals have reportedly been discussed with other African nations. However, Palestinians and “human rights” groups have strongly opposed such plans, characterizing them as forced expulsions.
For South Sudan, a country still recovering from years of civil war and famine, the proposal might be seen as a chance to deepen diplomatic ties with Israel and possibly improve its standing with the United States. Still, the idea has drawn criticism from within the country, with South Sudanese civil society leader Edmund Yakani complaining, “South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people,” and warning that it could provoke tensions given the country’s history with the region’s Muslim and Arab populations.
The U.S. State Department has declined to comment on the matter. However, Egypt has expressed clear opposition to any resettlement of Palestinians outside Gaza. Egyptian officials have reportedly urged South Sudan not to accept Palestinian refugees, citing concerns that such a move could trigger a wider refugee crisis also affecting Egypt.
Israel is also believed to have approached other nations, such as North Sudan and Somalia, though the status of those discussions is currently unknown.
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