A new Associated Press investigation, citing six informed sources, says Israel has held exploratory talks with the government of South Sudan over the possibility of accepting Palestinians from Gaza as part of a joint Israeli-U.S. plan for large-scale relocation from the war-battered enclave.
According to AP, the proposal is framed by Israel as “voluntary migration” – a term rejected by Palestinian and international human rights groups as a cover for forced displacement in violation of international law.
The report said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is seeking to advance U.S. President Donald Trump’s vision for resettling large numbers of Gaza residents abroad, and that similar approaches have been made to other African countries, including Sudan and Somalia.
Joe Szlavik, head of the U.S.-based lobbying firm Scribe Strategies, told AP he had been informed by South Sudanese officials that talks with Israel had taken place, and that an Israeli delegation is expected to visit to assess the feasibility of setting up reception camps. Szlavik said Israel would likely cover the costs. Four other sources familiar with the discussions also confirmed that contacts between Tel Aviv and Juba are ongoing.
Both Israel’s and South Sudan’s foreign ministries have declined or failed to comment, and no formal agreement or timetable has been announced. AP stressed the talks remain exploratory.
Two Egyptian officials told AP that Cairo has been aware of the discussions for months and has pressed Juba to reject the plan, reiterating Egypt’s opposition to any relocation of Gazans outside Palestinian territory.
South Sudan, grappling with economic crisis and seeking international support, might see such a deal as a way to strengthen ties with Israel and the U.S., particularly as it seeks relief from U.S. sanctions and travel restrictions on several of its officials. The report also notes that Israeli intelligence agency Mossad backed South Sudan’s rebels in their war against Sudan before independence in 2011.
In a separate interview with Israel’s i24NEWS channel the same day, Netanyahu repeated his call for Gazans to be allowed to leave during or after military operations, insisting “they’re not being pushed out” and urging other countries to “open their gates” if they wished to help. He likened such movements to displacements in Syria, Ukraine and Afghanistan. The remarks drew swift international condemnation, amid ongoing displacement inside Gaza and Israeli statements suggesting an imminent push to seize Gaza City as part of a plan to take full control of the territory.
