U.S. and Israel propose relocating Palestinians to East Africa amid Gaza crisis
- U.S. and Israeli officials are exploring the idea of resettling Palestinians from Gaza in East African countries such as Sudan and Somalia.
- Human rights advocates have raised concerns regarding the poverty and violence in these proposed host countries.
- The mixed responses from the nations approached raise questions about the feasibility of the proposed resettlement plan.
In March 2025, the U.S. and Israeli governments began discussions regarding the resettlement of Palestinians displaced from the conflict in Gaza. Ostensibly, they considered three East African regions: Sudan, Somalia, and the semi-autonomous region of Somaliland. Amid rising concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza, U.S. officials, along with Israeli counterparts, reached out to these regions to gauge their willingness to accept Palestinian refugees. However, immediate responses were mixed; Sudan reportedly rejected the proposal, while officials from Somalia and Somaliland stated they were unaware of such discussions. This resettlement idea has drawn criticism from human rights advocates who noted the severe humanitarian crises existing in these East African nations, as they struggle with poverty, violence, and political instability. Furthermore, critics highlighted that this approach contradicts earlier assurances given by the previous administration aimed at improving conditions for Gazans domestically rather than relocating them. In this context, it became evident that the proposition to move a significant number of Palestinians could not only incite backlash in the region but would also undermine the promise of a better life that many hoped for after the cessation of hostilities in Gaza. Despite the controversial nature of these resettlement talks, efforts by U.S. and Israeli officials hint at a broader strategy to find temporary or permanent homes for displaced populations while gaining regional cooperation. This scenario unfolds against the backdrop of President Donald Trump's earlier advocacy for relocating Gaza’s population as part of a more extensive vision for Middle East peace and reconstruction. With an outpouring of opposition from both Palestinians and neighboring Arab states, the proposal illuminates the delicate balance the U.S. and Israel must maintain in pursuing their objectives in the ongoing crisis.