(CLO) The US and Israel have secretly contacted Sudan, Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland in East Africa to discuss plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip, according to several sources cited by the world media.
A US official involved in the plan confirmed that Washington had had "discreet discussions" with Somaliland, hinting at the possibility of recognizing the breakaway territory if it cooperated.
Israeli and US officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the discussions with Somalia and Somaliland, while US officials have also reached out to Sudan. Several sources said the US and Israel have offered financial, diplomatic and security incentives to persuade African countries to accept Palestinian resettlement.
However, Sudan has said it has rejected the offer, while Somalia and Somaliland have denied receiving any such communications.
An area in Gaza. Photo: Mahmoud İssa
These contacts took place shortly after US President Donald Trump proposed the idea of "taking over" Gaza more than a month ago, causing strong opposition from Palestinians and Middle Eastern countries, considering this an act of ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced that Israel is looking for countries to accept Palestinians and has created a "very large immigration department" within the Defense Ministry to carry out this plan.
Meanwhile, Tamer Qarmout, associate professor at the Doha Institute of Graduate Studies, warned that forced displacement of Palestinians was a "red line that cannot be crossed".
He called on the international community not to join hands with Israel and the United States, stressing that many African countries are still suffering from the consequences of the colonial period and should not become the destination for a forced displacement.
In Sudan, two military officials confirmed that the US had approached the country’s military government before Mr Trump took office. Washington reportedly offered military support against the RSF paramilitary force, as well as reconstruction of the country and other incentives in exchange for accepting Palestinians.
However, the Sudanese government flatly refused. "The proposal was rejected immediately. No one will reopen the issue," an official stressed.
Ngoc Anh (according to 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
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