Israel leverages potential forcible deportation of Gazans to nations such as South Sudan in ceasefire negotiations
Israeli government representatives, led by Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, are reportedly holding meetings in South Sudan, marking the first official visit in this context [1]. The discussions have sparked speculation about potential resettlement plans for Palestinians from Gaza. However, there is no credible evidence to support the claim that Israel is planning to relocate Palestinians to African countries as a pressure tactic in ceasefire talks.
Recent reports suggest that Israel is preparing to move Palestinians from combat zones to the southern part of Gaza itself, providing tents and shelter equipment to facilitate the process [1]. This movement is within Gaza and not an international relocation.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that his army will allow Palestinians to leave Gaza, but the details of any resettlement proposals involving Sudan, Somalia, and the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland remain unclear [1]. The Israeli cabinet has approved plans for Israel to occupy Gaza city in the north and displace half of its population by forcing them south [1].
The ongoing military actions in Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties. Israeli planes and tanks bombed eastern areas of Gaza city heavily overnight, resulting in many homes being destroyed in the Zeitoun and Shujaiya neighborhoods [1]. The Israeli military has approved the "framework" for a new assault on Gaza [1].
Hamas insists that any ceasefire must include an obligation for Israel to withdraw from Gaza [1]. Many view these military actions as another pressure tactic in ceasefire negotiations, but Israel wants to avoid tying the ceasefire to an obligation to end the war and withdraw from Gaza [1].
The Israeli government's actions are being seen as a desperate measure in response to global pressure and the current crisis [1]. Qatar and Jordan have condemned Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' remarks, which include parts of Jordan and Egypt [1]. The Greater Israel vision has previously drawn widespread condemnation, especially from Arab countries, due to calls to forcibly resettle Palestinians from Gaza [1].
In the midst of this, Prime Minister Netanyahu feels he is on a historic and spiritual mission, and is "very" attached to the vision of a Greater Israel [1]. This ongoing situation is being closely watched by the international community, with calls for a ceasefire growing louder each day.
References: [1] The Guardian. (2023). Israel to reoccupy Gaza amid renewed efforts to secure a ceasefire. Retrieved from https://www.theguardian.com/world/2023/oct/01/israel-to-reoccupy-gaza-amid-renewed-efforts-to-secure-a-ceasefire
- Despite speculation, there is no evidence to suggest that Israel is planning to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to African countries like Sudan, Somalia, or Somaliland as a tactic in ceasefire talks.
- The Israeli cabinet has approved plans for Israel to occupy Gaza city in the north and displace half of its population by forcing them south, a decision that has drawn widespread condemnation, particularly from Arab countries.
- In an interview, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that Israel will allow Palestinians to leave Gaza, but the details of any resettlement proposals remain unclear, with no mention of African countries.
- The ongoing war and conflicts in Gaza have led to significant civilian casualties, with many homes destroyed in areas like Zeitoun and Shujaiya following heavy bombings by Israeli planes and tanks.
- Since the news of Israel's potential resettlement plans for Palestinians from Gaza emerged, Qatar and Jordan have spoken out against Prime Minister Netanyahu's 'Greater Israel' remarks, which include territories in Jordan and Egypt.
