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Outreach to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland faces rejection as Trump’s proposal sparks controversy
The United States and Israel have reached out to officials from Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland to discuss the possibility of resettling Palestinians displaced from the Gaza Strip under former US President Donald Trump’s postwar plan, according to American and Israeli officials.
Officials from Sudan confirmed they had rejected the proposal, while representatives from Somalia and Somaliland stated they were unaware of any such discussions. The plan, which aims to relocate Gaza’s more than two million residents, has drawn widespread condemnation. Critics argue it could amount to a war crime, while supporters, including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, describe it as a “bold vision.”
Trump proposed that the US take control of Gaza, oversee a cleanup, and redevelop it as a real estate project. However, Palestinian leaders and Arab nations have dismissed the plan, advocating instead for reconstruction while keeping the Palestinian population in place.
US and Israeli officials confirmed outreach efforts began shortly after Trump introduced the proposal in a White House meeting with Netanyahu. Israel has taken the lead in these discussions, offering financial, diplomatic, and security incentives to potential host countries. The approach is reminiscent of Trump’s Abraham Accords strategy, which normalized relations between Israel and several Arab nations.
The White House declined to comment on the initiative, and key Israeli government figures also remained silent. However, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that Israel is actively seeking nations willing to accept Palestinians and is preparing an “emigration department” within the Defense Ministry.
As a signatory of the Abraham Accords in 2020, Sudan normalized relations with Israel, securing US support, including removal from the list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, Sudan’s civil war has since overshadowed these developments.
Two Sudanese officials confirmed that the Trump administration approached Sudan’s military-led government about resettling Palestinians, offering military aid and reconstruction assistance in return. The proposal was firmly rejected. Sudan’s military leader, Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan, reiterated at an Arab summit that his country “categorically rejects” any plan to transfer Palestinians from their land.
Somaliland, an unrecognized but self-governing territory in the Horn of Africa, has long sought international recognition. The US is reportedly engaging in discussions with Somaliland, offering diplomatic recognition as a potential incentive.
Despite maintaining a relatively stable political environment compared to Somalia, Somaliland remains economically underdeveloped. While the UAE has established commercial interests in the region, an official from Somaliland denied any discussions regarding Palestinian resettlement.
Somalia, a vocal supporter of Palestinian self-rule, has frequently hosted demonstrations in solidarity with Palestinians. Given its strong stance, the country appears an unlikely candidate to accept displaced Palestinians.
A Somali official, speaking anonymously, stated that Somalia had not been approached regarding the matter and was not engaged in any discussions on the subject.
Trump’s proposal to relocate Gaza’s population has been met with stiff resistance from Palestinians, Arab nations, and rights groups. The US and Israel’s outreach to Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland has yielded little progress, with Sudan outright rejecting the idea and officials from Somalia and Somaliland denying any discussions.
Despite Netanyahu’s endorsement and efforts by Israeli officials to facilitate voluntary migration, international opposition remains strong, casting doubt on the feasibility of the plan.