The US and Israel are considering relocating 2.3 million Gazans to Somaliland, amid a rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan by Arab nations. Somaliland, seeking recognition as an independent state, has dismissed reports of talks while public sentiment remains against any resettlement of Palestinians. Somalia, facing a constitutional crisis, also rejects the idea, reinforcing its support for Palestinian sovereignty.
The United States and Israel are contemplating relocating Gazans to the Horn of Africa, particularly targeting Somaliland as a potential destination amidst widespread rejection of President Trump’s ‘Middle East Riviera’ plan by Arab nations. Unnamed officials indicated that discussions between American and Israeli representatives and both Somalia and Somaliland are underway, raising concerns among Somaliland’s populace, which seeks international recognition as an independent state after years of marginalization.
Somaliland has leveraged its relative stability amid Somalia’s turmoil to advocate for sovereignty, even offering military access to US forces in exchange for recognition in 2022. However, the proposal under consideration involves relocating Gaza’s 2.3 million residents and transforming the territory into a luxury real estate development under US administration. This notion aligns with long-held Israeli ambitions of displacing Palestinians, which they now see as gaining traction through Trump’s vision.
To promote this initiative, the US and Israel are formulating a strategy similar to the Abraham Accords, offering Somaliland financial and diplomatic incentives. Nonetheless, public sentiment in Somaliland is firmly in favor of the Palestinian cause, leading experts like Moustafa Ahmad to question the plan’s viability, stressing that any displacement would meet significant local opposition.
The United Arab Emirates, a supporter of Somaliland’s bid for recognition and an ally of Israel, may play a crucial role in facilitating negotiations. However, the UAE’s endorsement of Egypt’s counter-reconstruction strategy contradicts Trump’s proposal. On the domestic front, Somaliland’s President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi, has publicly dismissed reports of negotiations, emphasizing that formal proposals must be presented for consideration.
In Somalia, a constitutional crisis undermines the government, with Puntland declaring independence amid escalating violence from the militant group Al-Shabaab. Somali officials maintain a firm stance against the resettlement of Palestinians on their soil. Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi reinforced this position, affirming Somalia’s commitment to supporting Palestinian sovereignty while rejecting any related US or Israeli plans.
Given Somalia’s historical ties to the Palestinian struggle and the complexities of its current security situation, any potential US proposal involving population displacement is likely to face substantial public and political resistance.
In summary, the potential relocation of Palestinians to Somaliland under Trump’s proposal raises significant discontent among both Somaliland and Somalia’s populations, who strongly support the Palestinian cause. With skepticism about the feasibility of such plans, exacerbated by internal instability in Somalia and Somaliland’s desire for international recognition, any discussions surrounding this issue are fraught with complications and strong opposition. The regional dynamics, especially with the involvement of the UAE, will be critical in shaping future developments in this delicate geopolitical landscape.
Original Source: www.newarab.com
