The parties oppose the US and Israel's plan to relocate Palestinians to East Africa.

(CLO) The US and Israel have secretly contacted Sudan, Somalia, and the breakaway region of Somaliland in East Africa to discuss plans for the forced displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to several sources cited by the world media.

A U.S. official involved in the plan confirmed that Washington had held "discreet discussions" with Somaliland, hinting at the possibility of recognizing the breakaway territory if it cooperates.

Unnamed Israeli and U.S. officials confirmed discussions with Somalia and Somaliland, while U.S. officials also reached out to Sudan. Several sources indicated that the U.S. and Israel offered financial, diplomatic , and security incentives to persuade African nations to accept Palestinian resettlement.

However, Sudan insists it has rejected the offer, while Somalia and Somaliland deny receiving any contact regarding the matter.

A section of Gaza. Photo: Mahmoud İssa

These contacts took place shortly after US President Donald Trump floated the idea of ​​"taking over" Gaza more than a month ago, drawing strong opposition from Palestinians and Middle Eastern countries who viewed it as an act of ethnic cleansing.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel is seeking countries to accept Palestinians and has established a "very large migration department" within the Ministry of Defense to implement this plan.

Meanwhile, Tamer Qarmout, an associate professor at the Doha Graduate Institute, warned that the forced displacement of Palestinians is "a red line that cannot be crossed."

He called on the international community not to abet Israel and the United States, emphasizing that many African countries are still suffering the consequences of colonial rule and should not become destinations for forced displacement.

In Sudan, two military officials confirmed that the U.S. had approached the country's military junta before Trump took office. Washington reportedly offered military support against the RSF paramilitary force, as well as reconstruction and other incentives in exchange for accepting Palestinians.

However, the Sudanese government flatly refused. One official stressed: "This proposal was immediately rejected. No one is bringing this up again."

Ngoc Anh (based on AJ, The Hindu, AP)

Source: https://www.congluan.vn/cac-ben-phan-doi-viec-my-va-israel-muon-di-doi-nguoi-palestine-den-dong-phi-post338551.html