Israel Intends to Transfer Palestinians to Vulnerable South Sudan, Labeling Compulsory Relocation as 'Optional Migration'
In a developing diplomatic move, Israel and South Sudan are reportedly in discussions regarding the potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. The talks, confirmed by six individuals familiar with the matter, suggest a shift in the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
The discussions come at a time when the region is grappling with ongoing conflict and large-scale displacement, creating significant humanitarian pressures. Polling indicates that many Gazans would consider leaving if given the opportunity.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has expressed interest in a large-scale relocation of Gaza's residents, linking it to "voluntary migration." He further suggested allowing the population to leave and then taking action against the remaining enemy in an interview with i24 TV.
South Sudan, which ranks among the most unstable countries in the world, sees potential benefits in the talks, including stronger links with Israel and better access to the Donald Trump administration in the United States.
The United States is aware of the discussions but is not part of them, according to Szlavik, head of a U.S. lobbying firm linked to South Sudan. An Israeli delegation is reportedly planned to visit South Sudan to assess possible camp locations for Palestinians, though no date has been set.
The extent of progress in the talks remains unclear, and details about temporary facilities, should the plan move forward, have been reported to be covered by Israel.
Egypt strongly opposes the relocation of Palestinians out of Gaza, with two Egyptian officials confirming that South Sudan has been on Israel's list of potential host countries for Palestinians for months. Palestinians in Gaza, global rights advocates, and many governments have rejected the relocation proposal, describing it as a direct path to permanent removal from Gaza and a violation of international law.
The Palestinians in Gaza fear they will never return if they depart from the region due to their strong connection to Gaza as central to their homeland. If the plan moves forward, Palestinians would leave a war-torn coastal strip and arrive in another country still marked by conflict and hunger.
The talks between Israel and South Sudan, while in the early stages, have progressed to a more formal level, with diplomatic visits in August 2025. Despite South Sudanese officials publicly denying the existence of a finalized plan, the bilateral diplomatic exchanges suggest tangible progress in exploring the relocation possibility.
[1] Associated Press, "Israel and South Sudan discuss potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza," [date], URL [2] Al Jazeera, "South Sudan denies reports of talks with Israel over Gaza relocation," [date], URL
- The potential relocation of Palestinians from Gaza, a move currently under discussion between Israel and South Sudan, comes amidst broader regional issues such as war-and-conflicts, migration, and politics, as the region continues to struggle with ongoing crisis and humanitarian pressures.
- As the talks between Israel and South Sudan progress, with diplomatic visits and reports suggesting tangible progress, the issue of potential Palestine migration has sparked controversy and concerns about general-news implications, particularly among Palestinians in Gaza who worry about their future and the preservation of their homeland.
