Israel and the United States are considering Syria for resettling Gaza’s residents. This comes amid broader discussions about potential relocation sites, including East Africa. Various officials report a lack of response from Syria, and Egypt opposes earlier proposals. These developments unfold within a complex geopolitical context influenced by ongoing conflicts and regional stability.
Israel and the United States are reportedly exploring Syria as a possible site for resettling the approximately two million residents of Gaza, according to CBS News. This information comes from an anonymous US official indicating the Trump administration’s outreach to the interim Syrian government via a third party.
However, there has been no confirmation from Syria regarding any discussions on this issue. A senior Syrian official mentioned being unaware of any dialogues between the Syrian government and officials from the US or Israel about resettlement plans.
The context of these potential relocations follows recent reports from the Associated Press, which highlighted the US’s interest in East African nations such as Sudan, Somalia, and the unrecognized region of Somaliland. Notably, Sudan has reportedly rejected a resettlement request from the US.
These proposals emerge after President Donald Trump expressed intentions in February to relocate Gaza’s residents to facilitate reconstruction efforts in a region damaged by ongoing conflict. During a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Trump endorsed this controversial idea.
Initially, President Trump had suggested resettling displaced Palestinians in Egypt; however, Egypt has firmly opposed this notion, advocating for a pan-Arab alternative that focuses on the rebuilding of Gaza without displacing its residents. Tensions between Israel and Syria have been heightened since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024, with Israel remaining cautious of the interim government and maintaining a military presence in southern Syria to counteract Iranian and Hezbollah influences.
In summary, Israel and the United States are contemplating Syria as a potential location for resettling Gazans, amidst a broader search for solutions following the conflict. While the US has also explored East African options, regional responses have been mixed, with Egypt opposing the idea of relocation. The international community continues to grapple with the implications of displacement against the backdrop of ongoing tensions in the region.
Original Source: themedialine.org
