Palestinians Could Be Relocated to South Sudan

(TEL AVIV) – Israel has reportedly entered discussions with South Sudan over the possible relocation of Palestinians from Gaza to the East African nation, according to six sources familiar with the matter who spoke to The Associated Press.

The proposed move is part of an Israeli effort to displace Palestinians from Gaza. Human rights groups have warned that any forced transfer could amount to ethnic cleansing and would violate international law.

Critics fear that Palestinians could be permanently prevented from returning to Gaza, potentially enabling Israel to annex parts of the enclave and re-establish settlements.

South Sudan, still recovering from a civil war that erupted shortly after independence in 2011, has faced immense challenges, including nearly 400,000 deaths and famine in some areas. The country also hosts large refugee populations from neighbouring states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described the plan as “voluntary migration” for much of Gaza’s population.

In an interview with Israeli TV station i24, he said that allowing people to leave before military operations could be justified under the laws of war, although he did not mention South Sudan specifically.

Reports indicate that Israel and the United States have considered similar proposals with Sudan, Somalia and Somaliland. Egypt has strongly opposed any forced transfer of Palestinians from Gaza, citing fears of a refugee influx into its territory.

South Sudanese civil society leader Edmund Yakani told the AP that the country should not be used as “a dumping ground for people” or treated as a negotiating tool to improve diplomatic relations.

Joe Szlavik, a US lobbyist who works with South Sudan, said he had been briefed by South Sudanese officials about the talks. According to Szlavik, the country is seeking US concessions such as lifting travel bans and removing sanctions on some South Sudanese elites. Szlavik suggested that any agreement on Palestinian relocation could involve US participation.

Peter Martell, a journalist and author, said that financially strapped South Sudan is likely seeking allies, financial support and diplomatic security. The country has previously accepted eight individuals deported from the United States under the Trump administration’s mass deportation policy.

Many Palestinians may wish to leave Gaza temporarily to escape ongoing conflict and severe food shortages. However, permanent relocation to South Sudan, one of the world’s most unstable countries, is unlikely to be welcomed.

The country struggles with corruption, relies heavily on international aid to feed its population of approximately 11 million people, and faces ongoing political fragility.

Yakani highlighted potential tensions, noting that South Sudanese would need clarity about who is arriving and for how long, as historical conflicts with Muslim and Arab groups could fuel hostilities. He emphasised that South Sudan “should not accept to take people as negotiating chips to improve relations.”