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Somalia has joined other East African nations in firmly rejecting proposals to resettle displaced Palestinians from Gaza within its borders. The Somali federal government has categorically denied any discussions with the United States or Israel regarding such plans, emphasizing its unwavering support for Palestinian sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The controversy arose following reports in international media suggesting that Somalia, along with Sudan and Somaliland, had been approached as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians uprooted from Gaza. These claims were further fueled by comments attributed to Puntland’s Deputy Minister of Information, Yacob Mohamed Abdalla, which hinted at openness to the idea. However, Somali federal authorities have dismissed these reports, reiterating that immigration policy falls strictly under federal jurisdiction and that no official discussions have taken place.
A senior Somali official, speaking to local media, refuted the allegations, stating, “To my knowledge, there have been no discussions whatsoever regarding the resettlement of Gazan citizens. The United States and Israel have not approached us.” Legal experts and analysts have also criticized the idea, with one researcher describing it as “unrealistic” given Somalia’s ongoing challenges, including underdevelopment and resource constraints.
Somalia’s stance aligns with its long-standing pro-Palestinian position in international forums. Earlier this month, Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre attended an Extraordinary Arab Summit for Palestine in Cairo, where he reaffirmed Somalia’s opposition to any plans that would forcibly displace Palestinians from their homeland. Barre condemned Israel’s actions, calling forced displacement a violation of international law and reiterating Somalia’s commitment to supporting Palestinian self-determination.
“The Federal Government of Somalia stands firmly with our Palestinian brothers and sisters in their just struggle for sovereignty and self-determination. Any plan that seeks to forcibly remove Palestinians from their land is unacceptable,” Barre declared during the summit. The Arab leaders present at the summit endorsed a $53 billion reconstruction plan spearheaded by Egypt to rebuild Gaza’s critical infrastructure, ensuring that Palestinians remain in their homeland.
Somalia’s rejection of the resettlement plans mirrors similar responses from Sudan and Somaliland. Sudanese officials have also denied any involvement in discussions with the U.S. or Israel, while Somaliland authorities have stated they were unaware of any such contacts. The broader East African region has expressed concerns about the implications of these proposals, with many viewing them as an attempt to offload a complex geopolitical issue onto nations already grappling with their own challenges.
The international community has largely condemned the idea of forcibly displacing Palestinians, with critics describing it as a violation of human rights and a form of ethnic cleansing. Analysts have warned that such plans could exacerbate regional instability and undermine efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Somalia’s firm stance on the issue has been praised by pro-Palestinian advocates and regional leaders, who see it as a reaffirmation of the country’s commitment to justice and international law. The Somali government has called on the global community to focus on addressing the root causes of the conflict and supporting initiatives that promote peace and stability in the Middle East.
As the situation unfolds, Somalia remains steadfast in its support for Palestine, rejecting any proposals that compromise the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people. The nation’s position underscores the importance of solidarity and principled diplomacy in addressing complex global challenges.