Trump's relocation plan for Palestinians stirs global debate
U.S. President Donald Trump proposed resettling Palestinians in certain African nations, according to Israeli news source Channel 12 and the British newspaper "The Telegraph." The proposal involves Morocco and two regions of Somalia—Somaliland and Puntland. In return, the U.S. plans to offer support to these regions.
President Trump presented a plan to relocate Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to several African countries. In exchange for accepting the refugees, Morocco could expect U.S. support regarding its claims to Western Sahara.
Meanwhile, Somaliland and Puntland, which are officially regions of Somalia, would gain the opportunity for recognition of their independence.
According to "The Telegraph," Israel's Consul General in the U.S., Israel Bachar, confirmed that three locations are being considered for the resettlement of Palestinians.
Puntland's Deputy Minister of Information, Yacob Mohamed Abdalla, expressed a willingness to accept the refugees, provided they choose to do so voluntarily. "There is no reason to deport someone from his country to another country without that person choosing to move," Abdalla emphasized.
Controversial plans
Trump's proposals emerged following a previous announcement about plans to "take over" the Gaza Strip and transform it into "The Middle East Riviera." This idea was presented during a press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington, D.C.
Trump's earlier appeals for the relocation of Palestinians were met with refusals from Egypt, Jordan, and Libya. Media reports also indicated the consideration of resettling approximately 100,000 Palestinians in Albania and Indonesia.
Deliberate choice
The United States considers Morocco a potential relocation site because the country normalized relations with Israel in 2020 as part of the Abraham Accords. Unlike Algeria or Libya, Morocco has not imposed entry bans on Israeli passport holders. The kingdom has also strengthened ties with the U.S., purchasing arms and seeking support in its conflict with Algeria.
Somaliland and Puntland, though not internationally recognized as independent states, hope for U.S. recognition of their independence. Somaliland declared independence in 1991 and is considered more stable than the rest of Somalia. Puntland, although not openly pursuing sovereignty, announced last March its desire to function separately from Somalia.
