Israel has initiated discussions with South Sudan about expelling Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to the war-torn East African country.
The plans are described as an attempt at mass expulsion and ethnic cleansing following Israel’s 22-month-long invasion and have drawn strong criticism for violating international law and humanitarian principles.
Six sources with insight confirm to Associated Press that talks are ongoing, but it remains unclear how far they have actually progressed. The proposal involves moving Palestinians from one starvation zone to another, which according to analysts risks worsening the already very difficult humanitarian situation for Gaza’s population.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is pushing for what he himself claims is “voluntary migration”, and has previously proposed similar arrangements with other African countries.
— I think that the right thing to do, even according to the laws of war as I know them, is to allow the population to leave, and then you go in with all your might against the enemy who remains there, Netanyahu said in an interview with Israeli TV channel i24 on Tuesday.
“Needs allies”
Palestinians and human rights organizations reject the plans, however, stating that it practically amounts to ethnic cleansing, where Israel could annex all of Gaza and reestablish Jewish settlements – a demand from far-right ministers in the government. Many Palestinians also fear they would never be allowed to return to their homeland.
For South Sudan, which has struggled with civil war, corruption and famine since independence in 2011, the agreement is seen as a way to strengthen ties with Israel and Trump. The country’s leadership hopes for eased sanctions and improved relations with the US.
— Cash-strapped South Sudan needs any ally, financial gain and diplomatic security it can get, says journalist Peter Martell, author of the book First Raise a Flag, which is about the African nation.
An Israeli delegation plans to visit the African country to investigate whether it is possible to establish camps for Palestinians, according to Joe Szlavik, founder of a lobbying company that works with the country.
Analysts point out that Israel is likely prepared to finance temporary camps in the country, but Edmund Yakani, leader of a South Sudanese civil society organization, warns of the consequences.
— South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people. And it should not accept to take people as negotiating chips to improve relations, says Yakani.
Discussions with more African countries
Egypt opposes the plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza. They are concerned that this would lead to increased refugee flows from Gaza, which would negatively affect their own country.
Israel and the US have previously held talks with Sudan, Somalia and the self-declared region of Somaliland, all of which are struggling with war and famine. However, it is unclear how far these discussions have progressed.
Critics argue that the proposal to expel Palestinians from Gaza not only violates international law, but also ignores their right to their land.
Even though many Palestinians would likely consider leaving Gaza temporarily due to war and famine, South Sudan is also considered a particularly poor alternative – not only because the country is poor, chaotic and dysfunctional – but also because bloody ethnic and religious conflicts have long been ongoing in the region.
