Israel and the United States are reportedly in discussions with five countries regarding the migration plans for Palestinian residents in the Gaza Strip. Israeli N12 television cited sources on the 13th (local time) stating that Indonesia, South Sudan, Libya, Uganda, and the unrecognized country of Somaliland are under consideration.
According to sources, there has been some progress with Indonesia and Somaliland, and there are countries that are more open to accepting migrants than before. However, no specific agreement has been reached, and negotiations are expected to continue.
Indonesia supports Palestinian independence and has no diplomatic relations with Israel, but earlier this month it stated that it would accept and treat 2,000 wounded individuals from the Gaza Strip. In April, it also announced plans to temporarily accept around 1,000 war refugees.
Earlier, the Associated Press reported that South Sudan is in discussions with Israel regarding the issue of resident migration. Egypt has been lobbying for months to prevent contact with South Sudan and has opposed U.S. President Donald Trump's mention of Egypt and Jordan as potential resettlement countries in the 'Gaza Strip plan.'
The Associated Press analyzed that, due to financial difficulties, South Sudan might consider the possibility of accepting migrants for diplomatic and economic benefits, but the chances of residents voluntarily choosing to migrate to South Sudan are low. The unstable situation in South Sudan due to civil war, corruption, and famine is also a hurdle.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated on i24 television, 'It is right to allow residents to leave according to the laws of war and then fight against the remaining enemies,' referencing other conflict areas such as Syria, Ukraine, and Afghanistan. He also noted that discussions are ongoing with other countries regarding resident resettlement plans.
On this day, it was reported that Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharen Haskel is scheduled to visit South Sudan to meet with President Salva Kiir, the Foreign Minister, and the Speaker of Parliament. The Times of Israel emphasized that this marks the first official visit of an Israeli government representative to South Sudan.
However, the South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied the reports, stating, 'There is no basis for the reports claiming that discussions are underway about resettling Israeli and Palestinian residents, and it does not reflect the official position or policy of the government.'