13/08/2025
Israel in talks with South Sudan over possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza — AP reports
Israel is in discussions with the government about the possibility of relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip into the country, AP News reports.
According to AP, six people familiar with the matter confirmed the talks, though it is unclear how far they have progressed. If implemented, the plan would see people moved from a territory devastated by war and famine risk to a country still recovering from its own conflict — a proposal that has already raised human rights concerns.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said he supports what he calls “voluntary migration” of Gaza’s population, in line with ideas once pushed by former U.S. President Donald Trump. Similar proposals have reportedly been discussed with other African nations.
Palestinians, human rights organisations, and many governments reject the idea, saying it amounts to forced expulsion in violation of international law.
Joe Szlavik, head of a U.S. lobbying firm that works with South Sudan, told AP he had been briefed by South Sudanese officials and that an Israeli delegation is expected to visit Juba to explore possible sites for temporary camps. He said Israel would likely cover the cost of building the camps. No date has been confirmed for the visit.
Egypt, which borders Gaza, is opposed to any plan that moves Palestinians out of the territory. AP reports that Egyptian officials have been lobbying Juba against accepting the relocation.
For South Sudan, AP notes such a deal could help strengthen ties with Israel and potentially improve relations with the United States. Israel has historic links to South Sudan, with AP citing claims that its Mossad spy agency provided support during the liberation struggle.
However, local voices have raised concerns. Civil society activist Edmund Yakani told AP that communities would need to know who is coming and for how long, warning of “historical issue
