Israel and South Sudan engage in discussions regarding the resettlement of Palestinians
The Israeli authorities are reportedly in discussions with South Sudan regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip. However, these talks remain unconfirmed and have been denied by the South Sudanese government.
Recent reporting suggests that Israel is in talks with South Sudan, with the latter described as a war-torn and hunger-stricken country. These discussions are described as exploratory rather than finalized agreements.
The South Sudanese foreign ministry has publicly denied any such talks or agreements with Israel about resettling Palestinians from Gaza. This denial has sparked controversy and resistance from regional actors like Egypt.
Despite the media reports, South Sudan officially denies any negotiations or agreement with Israel on Palestinian resettlement, and no formal deal has been announced or confirmed as of now.
The Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister, Sharren Haskel, met with South Sudan's Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba last week. The talks addressed the development of the situation in Israel and the readiness to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in the future.
Haskel also announced a humanitarian aid package of food and medical supplies for South Sudan. The visit was described as "a sign of friendship and solidarity between the two nations."
However, the Israeli government is also reportedly conducting similar talks with Libya and Syria. The prospect of such resettlement is met with mixed reactions among the residents of East Africa.
Leading Arab and international politicians have rejected the resettlement of the Gaza population to any country. Netanyahu recently expressed a desire to expand military control in the Gaza Strip and for Palestinians to leave the area voluntarily.
Israel has offered South Sudan "new opportunities" in the oil and gas industry, mining, and agriculture to attract foreign investors. South Sudan's President Salva Kiir was open to exploring opportunities in various sectors, including oil and gas, mining, and agriculture, offered by Israel.
The US government is exerting pressure on Egypt to take in Palestinians, according to a report. On Wednesday, the South Sudanese Foreign Ministry dismissed reports of resettlement as "unfounded."
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not initially respond to a request for comment. The Israeli government has yet to reach an agreement on this matter, but talks at government level are ongoing, according to insiders.
- The Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister's meeting with South Sudan's Foreign Minister was not limited to discussing Palestinian resettlement, as it also touched upon the development of the situation in Israel and the readiness to strengthen bilateral and multilateral cooperation.
- The Commission, consulted on the draft resolution, may find it relevant to discuss the political implications of the potential resettlement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip in the context of general news surrounding Israel's talks with countries like South Sudan, Libya, and Syria.
