The South Sudanese government announced that Israel’s deputy foreign minister had visited for discussions regarding the potential relocation of Palestinians from the war-torn Gaza Strip.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated he would permit Gazans to voluntarily emigrate, and his government was reportedly talking with potential host countries. South Sudan, which is rumored to be a potential host country, announced that Sharren Haskel’s visit marked the highest-level engagement with an Israeli official thus far.
Foreign Minister Semaya Kumba and Haskel held a “fruitful bilateral dialogue” that touched upon “the evolving circumstances within the State of Israel,” without elaborating further. President Salva Kiir met with Haskel for “high-level” talks about enhancing cooperation, offering Israel new opportunities in oil, gas, minerals, and agriculture.
Haskel said the visit was a direct reflection of friendship and solidarity between the two nations and announced a new aid package including food supplies and medical equipment. A previous official statement from the government in Juba refuted media reports that it was in discussions with Israel about relocating Palestinians from Gaza.
The potential arrival of displaced Gazans has sparked intense controversy both on social media and on the streets of the capital city, Juba. One Juba resident told AFP they do not accept the move, stating “these are criminals” and that South Sudan lacks the land to accommodate them.
Impoverished South Sudan, the world’s youngest country, has been plagued by insecurity and instability since its independence in 2011 after years of bloody conflict. This year, the country saw months of clashes between forces loyal to President Kiir and those backing First Vice President Riek Machar, fueling fears of a return to civil war.
