Juba: South Sudan on Wednesday denied reports that it is holding talks with Israel to relocate Palestinians from Gaza, stating it 'firmly refutes' recent claims in Israeli media suggesting such plans.
According to Anadolu Agency, South Sudan 'firmly refutes recent media reports claiming that the Government of the Republic of South Sudan is engaged in discussion with the State of Israel regarding the resettlement of Palestinian nationals from Gaza in South Sudan,' a Foreign Ministry statement clarified. The ministry emphasized that these claims are 'baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy' of the South Sudanese government. It further urged media outlets to 'exercise due diligence' and confirm with official sources before disseminating such news.
Israeli media had previously reported that Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel made a visit to South Sudan early Wednesday, marking the first official visit by an Israeli government official. The Times of Israel, citing sources, suggested that the visit was intended to discuss Israeli plans to displace the Palestinian population of the war-torn Gaza Strip to South Sudan. Additionally, Yedioth Ahronoth reported that Tel Aviv is in discussions with five countries, including South Sudan, regarding the resettlement of Palestinians to their territories.
In a related development, US President Donald Trump announced in February that Washington would 'take over' Gaza and resettle Palestinians elsewhere under a redevelopment plan that he claimed could transform the enclave into 'the Riviera of the Middle East.' This proposal was met with widespread condemnation from Palestinians, Arab countries, and numerous other nations worldwide, including Canada, France, Germany, and the UK.
The situation in Gaza remains dire, with the Israeli army conducting a brutal offensive since October 2023, resulting in the deaths of over 61,700 Palestinians, the majority being women and children. Furthermore, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants last November for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the enclave.