Israel explores resettling Gazans in South Sudan

Talks’ progress is unclear. Plans amount to transfer to another war-ravaged land.

- By Sam MEDNICK

MOHAMMED NASSAR Anadolu PALESTINIANS released by Israel are transported to a hospital in Gaza for medical examinations Tuesday.

Israel is in discussions with South Sudan about the possibility of resettling Gazans in the war-torn East African country, part of a wider effort by Israel to facilitate mass emigration from the Palestinian territory left in ruins by the 22-month offensive against Hamas militants.

Six people familiar with the matter confirmed the talks to the Associated Press. It’s unclear how far the discussions have advanced, but if implemented, the plans would amount to transferring people from one war-ravaged land at risk of famine to another, and raise human rights concerns.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to realize President Trump's vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population through what Netanyahu refers to as “voluntary migration.” Israel has floated similar resettlement proposals with other African nations.

Palestinians, rights groups and much of the international community have rejected the proposals as a blueprint for forcible expulsion in violation of international law.

For South Sudan, such a deal could help build closer ties to Israel, now the almost unchallenged military power in the Mideast. It is also a potential inroad to Trump, who broached the idea of resettling Gaza’s population in February but appears to have backed away in recent months.

Israel's Foreign Ministry declined to comment and South Sudan's foreign minister did not respond to questions about the talks. A U.S. State Department spokesperson said it doesn’t comment on private diplomatic conversations.

Egypt opposes idea of resettlement