Boy In Gaza. A boy carries fabric and a plastic box at a street market in Jabaliya, northern Gaza Strip, Friday, March 7, 2025. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Photo
The U.S. and Israel have approached officials in Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about resettling Palestinians displaced from Gaza under President Donald Trump's postwar plan, according to unnamed American and Israeli officials quoted by the Associated Press.
The proposal, which aims to permanently relocate more than two million Gazans, has drawn widespread condemnation and raised serious legal and ethical concerns.
Meanwhile, Hamas issued a statement on Friday, stating, "Palestinian people remain steadfast and committed to their land, refusing to abandon their homeland."
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department as well as Israel's Foreign Ministry for comment.
Why It Matters
Trump's relocation proposal marked a dramatic shift in U.S. policy on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with potential ramifications for regional stability.
While supporters say it could resolve long-standing security concerns, critics say it amounts to forced displacement and could constitute a war crime under international law. Arab nations have voiced strong opposition, advocating instead for a multibillion-dollar reconstruction plan to allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
What To Know
Officials from Sudan have already rejected U.S. overtures regarding Palestinian resettlement. The country, which normalized relations with Israel in 2020 under the Abraham Accords, is currently embroiled in a civil war. Despite potential U.S. incentives, including debt relief and military assistance, Sudan's leadership has firmly dismissed the idea.
Somalia and Somaliland Proposal
In Somalia, officials said they were unaware of any discussions on the issue, according to The Associated Press. The country has historically supported Palestinian self-determination and recently joined an Arab summit rejecting Trump's proposal. Experts believe Somalia is an unlikely destination, given its internal instability and strong pro-Palestinian stance.
Somaliland, a breakaway region of Somalia that has sought international recognition for decades, is also reported to be under consideration. U.S. officials suggested that diplomatic recognition could serve as an incentive for Somaliland's cooperation. Despite its relative stability compared to Somalia, it remains one of the world's poorest regions, raising concerns about its capacity to absorb displaced Palestinians.
What People Are Saying
Hussam Badran, a member of Hamas' political bureau said in statement: "The Palestinian people remain steadfast and committed to their land, refusing to abandon their homeland regardless of the U.S. President's stance."
A Sudanese government official, speaking anonymously, said: "This suggestion was immediately rebuffed."
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, stated: "Israel is working to identify countries to take in Palestinians."
What Happens Next?
While the White House has remained silent on the diplomatic outreach, Trump's administration continues to push forward with its plan. Meanwhile, Arab nations have countered with a $53 billion reconstruction initiative to keep Palestinians in Gaza. As global opposition grows, the fate of the displaced Palestinian population remains uncertain.
This article includes reporting from The Associated Press
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This story was originally published March 14, 2025 at 7:22 AM.