Reports that South Sudan and the Israeli regime are discussing a plan to resettle Palestinians from Gaza in the African nation have triggered strong rejection from Palestinian leaders, who denounced the proposal as an attempt at forced displacement.

Three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that discussions between South Sudanese and Israeli officials have taken place, though no agreement has been reached. The talks reportedly followed a visit last month by South Sudan’s foreign minister, Monday Semaya Kumba, to the occupied Palestinian territories.

Their account appeared to contradict South Sudan’s Foreign Ministry, which earlier dismissed reports of such discussions as “baseless”. The Ministry has yet to respond to the latest claims.

Palestinian leadership rejects relocation

News of the potential resettlement deal was first reported by the Associated Press, citing multiple sources.

Palestinian leaders were quick to condemn the idea. Wasel Abu Youssef, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization’s Executive Committee, said, “The Palestinian leadership and people reject any plan or idea to displace any of our people to South Sudan or to any other place.”

His remarks echoed a statement from President Mahmoud Abbas’ office, which warned against any attempt to force Palestinians out of Gaza.

Netanyahu signals intent to push Palestinians out

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly suggested that Palestinians should be expelled from Gaza, while stating his intention to extend Israeli military control over the territory. He has also claimed that “Israel” is in contact with several countries willing to host Palestinians who “voluntarily” depart, without providing specifics.

Arab states and international leaders have consistently opposed any such relocation plans, warning that they would amount to a new Nakba, a reference to the mass displacement of Palestinians in 1948.

Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, who visited Juba this week, denied that resettlement was discussed. She told reporters the meetings with South Sudanese officials focused on “foreign policy, multilateral organizations, the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, and the war,” rather than expulsion plans.

Netanyahu also met with Kumba last month, fueling further speculation. His government has declined to comment on the reported talks. The US State Department, asked about the plan, said it would not comment on “private diplomatic conversations.”

Sudan rejects reported claims

South Sudan has rejected claims that it has engaged in discussions with the Israeli occupation regarding the potential resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza, calling such reports “baseless” and contrary to the country’s official position.

The denial came after the Associated Press reported that talks were underway between the Tel Aviv regime and Juba on a proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from the war-battered territory to South Sudan.

In a statement, the South Sudanese Foreign Ministry said it “firmly refutes recent media reports claiming that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan is engaged in discussion with Israel regarding the resettlement of Palestinian nationals from Gaza in South Sudan.” The Ministry stressed that the claims “do not reflect the official position or policy” of Juba.

'Israel' looking for destinations for Palestinians

Reports indicate that the Israeli occupation and the United States have approached multiple countries, including Libya, Indonesia, Uganda, Morocco, Sudan, Somalia, Ethiopia, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, and the breakaway region of Somaliland, as possible destinations for Palestinians expelled from Gaza.

Egypt, which borders the enclave, has repeatedly rejected any relocation proposals, warning of a potential refugee influx into its territory.

Since October 7, 2023, at least 61,776 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed, and 154,906 others injured in the ongoing Israeli assault on Gaza, according to the territory’s Health Ministry.

In November 2024, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant over alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The Israeli regime also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its war on the besieged coastal strip.