Israel has opened talks with South Sudan about the possible resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the troubled East African nation, according to people familiar with the discussions.
The talks, confirmed by six individuals speaking to The Associated Press, are part of a broader effort by Israel to promote mass emigration from Gaza after a 22-month military campaign left much of the territory in ruins. If enacted, the plan would move Palestinians from one conflict-scarred region at risk of famine to another, raising significant human rights concerns.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has eyed resettlement as a way to realize former U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision of “voluntary migration” for much of Gaza’s population. Israel has discussed similar proposals with other African countries.
The idea has been widely rejected by Palestinians, human rights organizations and much of the international community, who say any such move would amount to forced expulsion in violation of international law.
For South Sudan, the world’s youngest country and still reeling from years of civil war, the deal could bolster diplomatic relations with Israel and possibly earn goodwill with Trump. Trump floated large-scale Palestinian resettlement earlier this year, but has retreated from public comments on the plan in recent months.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry declined comment, and South Sudanese officials did not respond to questions. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said the agency does not comment on private diplomatic conversations.
A lobbyist working with South Sudan said Israeli officials are expected to visit the country to assess setting up camps for Palestinians, but a date has not been set. The lobbyist added that Israel would likely fund makeshift shelters for any arrivals.
Four other officials with knowledge of the matter also confirmed the talks but spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss them.
Egypt is actively lobbying South Sudan against taking in Palestinians, fearing an influx of refugees could prompt a spillover into Egyptian territory.
The Associated Press and other outlets have reported similar Israeli and U.S. overtures to Sudan, Somalia and the self-declared state of Somaliland — all nations burdened by war and hunger.
South Sudan faces mounting challenges, including food insecurity, rampant corruption and an incomplete peace agreement after a civil war that killed nearly 400,000 people. International aid is vital for its 11 million residents, a need that has grown since Washington slashed foreign assistance.
Palestinians, meanwhile, largely oppose permanent relocation from their homeland, fearing Israel would bar their return and pursue annexation of Gaza. Even those desperate to escape the ongoing war are unlikely to embrace resettlement in one of the world’s most unstable countries.
Community leaders in South Sudan warn that any Palestinian arrivals could face hostility tied to the country’s fraught history with Arab and Muslim populations. “South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people,” said Edmund Yakani, who leads a civil society group. “And it should not accept to take people as negotiating chips to improve relations”.
