Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Mar 14: The United States and Israel reportedly engaged in secret discussions with Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland about relocating Palestinians from Gaza, according to officials cited by the Associated Press.

While Sudanese officials claimed to have rejected the proposal, authorities in Somalia and Somaliland stated they were unaware of any such contacts. However, US and Israeli officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed outreach efforts to all three nations.

The discussions allegedly began last month after former US President Donald Trump suggested forcibly displacing Palestinians and ‘taking over’ Gaza. The idea was widely condemned as ethnic cleansing by Palestinians and Middle Eastern countries.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich recently confirmed that Israel is identifying potential host countries and is setting up a “large emigration department” within its defense ministry.

In exchange for resettling Palestinians, the US reportedly considered offering financial aid, military assistance, and diplomatic incentives. Somaliland, which seeks international recognition, was reportedly offered support in exchange for cooperation.

Critics, including scholars and analysts, have condemned the move, calling it a dangerous escalation and warning that African nations should not be complicit in the forced displacement of Palestinians. Sudanese officials maintained that their government had flatly rejected the proposal.