 "Palestinians, displaced by the Israeli offensive, shelter in tents, amid a hunger crisis, in Gaza City, August 1, 2025. File Image/Reuters")
Israel is in discussions with South Sudan about a plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the East African nation, The Associated Press reported, citing multiple officials.
The talks form part of Israel’s broader strategy to encourage mass emigration from Gaza, which has been left in ruins after a 22-month military offensive against Hamas.
If enacted, the proposal would transfer people from one conflict-scarred, famine-threatened region to another, a move raising significant human rights concerns.
Netanyahu backs ‘voluntary migration’
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supports what he calls “voluntary migration”, in line with Donald Trump’s earlier vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population. Israel has floated similar proposals with other African states.
Speaking to i24 TV on Tuesday, Netanyahu argued civilians should be allowed to leave before the military targets remaining Hamas fighters, though he made no direct reference to South Sudan.
According to the report, Palestinian leaders, rights organisations, and much of the international community have rejected the idea, describing it as a plan for forced expulsion that would violate international law.
Potential political gains for South Sudan
For South Sudan, such a deal could bolster ties with Israel and possibly improve relations with Trump, who raised the relocation idea in February before appearing to step back from it.
Joe Szlavik, head of a US lobbying firm working with South Sudan, said South Sudanese officials had informed him that an Israeli delegation is expected to visit to assess the feasibility of setting up camps for Palestinians, likely funded by Israel.
Regional opposition and earlier relocation talks
South Sudan, which remains under US sanctions and subject to a travel ban, hopes closer ties with Trump could lead to the easing of restrictions. The country, facing severe economic strain, has already accepted eight deportees from the US, a move some interpret as an attempt to curry favour.
Israel’s connection to South Sudan dates back to its independence struggle, when Mossad is reported to have assisted rebels against Sudan’s Arab-led government.
While some Palestinians may wish to leave Gaza temporarily to escape war and worsening hunger, most reject any permanent resettlement from what they regard as their homeland.