Discussing the possibility of relocating Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan

• Israel is discussing the possibility of relocating Palestinians to South Sudan.
• The plan is aimed at mass immigration from Gaza due to a humanitarian crisis.
• Egypt is opposing the relocation, arguing against the influx of refugees.

Israel is conducting negotiations with South Sudan regarding the possibility of relocating Palestinians from Gaza. This is part of a broader initiative by Israel aimed at mass immigration from territories affected by the 22-month military operation against Hamas.

Six individuals involved in the negotiations confirmed the information to the AP agency. Currently, it is unclear at what stage these negotiations are, although the realization of the plans may lead to the relocation of people from a war-encircled region, which raises human rights concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu emphasizes that the plan aims to implement what former US President Donald Trump proposed regarding the relocation of a larger part of the population of Gaza under the so-called "voluntary migration". Israel has also discussed similar proposals with other African countries.

Israel's proposals have drawn significant criticism from Palestinians, human rights groups, and the international community, who view their attempts as a prima facie violation of international law.

For South Sudan, such an agreement could potentially solidify relations with Israel, which is currently the most stable military leader in the Middle East. This could also pave the way for Trump, who in February had proposed the idea of relocating the population of Gaza, but has recently distanced himself from this idea.

The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs declined to comment on the situation, and the South Sudanese Minister did not respond to inquiries regarding the negotiations. A representative from the US Department of State also noted that they do not comment on private diplomatic discussions.

Joseph Slavik, the founder of a lobbying firm in the US that works with South Sudan, reported that the Israeli delegation plans to visit the country to discuss the possibility of creating camps for Palestinians. The date of the visit is currently unknown.

Slavik noted that Israel might finance temporary camps.

Edmund Yakani, the head of the community organization in South Sudan, also confirmed that the negotiations are ongoing. Two Egyptian officials stated that they are aware of Israel's efforts to find a country for the acceptance of Palestinians and that Egypt is actively lobbying against this.

Egypt resolutely opposes any plans for the relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, as this could lead to an influx of refugees into its territory.

South Sudan, which is experiencing economic difficulties, requires allies, financial support, and diplomatic backing. Slavik noted that the country is eager for the Trump administration to lift the ban on loans and to lift sanctions from certain elites.

Many Palestinians may seek to escape Gaza to avoid the war and humanitarian crisis, but they are resolutely rejecting permanent relocation, considering it part of their national identity.

Palestinians fear that Israel will not allow them to return, and mass relocation could open a path for the annexation of Gaza and the removal of Jewish settlements.

South Sudan, however, remains one of the most unstable countries, especially due to the consequences of the civil war, which has led to the deaths of more than 400,000 people.

Yakani noted that South Sudanese require clear information about arrivals; otherwise, conflicts may arise due to historical problems with Muslims and Arabs.

"South Sudan does not want to become a dumping ground for people," he emphasized.

Tags: Middle East/Politics