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Somalia has firmly rejected any involvement in a plan to resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza within its territories. This decision comes after reports from Israeli and British media suggested that autonomous regions like Puntland and Somaliland were open to hosting Gazans as part of a controversial relocation initiative spearheaded by the United States.
Earlier this month, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed a widely criticized plan to occupy and rebuild Gaza while expelling its residents. The plan, which offers Gazans “new and modern homes in the region,” has sparked outrage from global leaders and human rights advocates who denounce it as a blatant violation of international law.
In response, a source within Somalia’s foreign ministry clarified that the federal government has no intention of participating in the displacement of Palestinians. “The Somali federal government will not take part in displacement policies planned by Washington against Palestinians,” the source stated. The official emphasized that the government would only issue a formal response if the White House released an official statement regarding the relocation of Gazans to Puntland or Somaliland.
Somaliland, a self-declared independent region in northern Somalia, and Puntland, an autonomous territory, have been at the center of these reports. Despite their autonomous statuses, both regions face significant economic and political challenges.
Last Thursday, Israel’s Consul General to the Pacific Southwest, Israel Bachar, reportedly suggested that Palestinians from Gaza could be resettled in Puntland, Somaliland, and even Morocco. According to the Daily Telegraph, Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Information, Yacob Mohamed Abdalla, expressed willingness to accept Gazan refugees as long as they arrived voluntarily.
Additionally, Abdulahi Mohamed Jaha, a former spokesman for Puntland, reportedly posted on Facebook that Gazans share the Islamic faith with Puntlanders and could contribute to the development of the region. He claimed that welcoming Gazans could enhance Puntland’s international standing and provide opportunities for security and economic growth.
However, legal researcher Abdirahman Keelo from Puntland dismissed these claims as unrealistic, citing the region’s severe poverty and lack of infrastructure. “This is crazy thinking and mad logic,” Keelo stated. “Forced displacement is forbidden under international humanitarian law. Washington, during Trump’s second term, has become more irrational with contradictory statements.”
Keelo urged caution in interpreting Trump’s comments, highlighting their inconsistency and lack of credibility.
Discussions surrounding the expulsion of Gazans to Somalia and Morocco reportedly emerged after Egypt and Jordan categorically rejected the relocation proposal. Trump’s plan has faced widespread condemnation for its perceived disregard for the rights and well-being of Palestinians.
Israel’s prolonged 15-month war on Gaza has devastated the territory, leading to massive destruction and loss of life. According to updated figures released by Gaza’s health ministry, at least 61,707 people have been killed, with thousands more injured or displaced.
Somalia’s decision to reject the relocation plan underscores the country’s commitment to international humanitarian principles. Both Puntland and Somaliland lack the resources and infrastructure to host a large influx of refugees, making the proposal impractical.
Critics argue that the relocation initiative fails to address the root causes of the conflict and instead perpetuates the suffering of Palestinian residents. They emphasize the need for diplomatic and humanitarian solutions that prioritize the rights and dignity of Gazans.
As global discussions on the Gaza crisis continue, Somalia’s firm stance highlights growing resistance to forced displacement and the need for coordinated international efforts to resolve the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe.