South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has dismissed reports alleging that it is in discussions with Israel to host Palestinians displaced from the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.
The denial comes after an Associated Press investigation, citing six unnamed sources, claimed that negotiations were underway between Juba and Tel Aviv to relocate some Palestinians to the East African nation.
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South Sudanese officials called the allegations “baseless,” stating in a Reuters-sighted statement that they “do not reflect the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan.”
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The ministry emphasized that its current focus remains on addressing internal humanitarian and development challenges rather than engaging in such resettlement arrangements.
The speculation had attracted international attention given the sensitive nature of the Israel–Palestine conflict and South Sudan’s fragile diplomatic posture.
This is not the first time an African state has rejected such proposals. In March, both Somalia and its breakaway region of Somaliland denied receiving—and firmly opposed—offers to host displaced Palestinians.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, exacerbated by years of blockade and the destruction from ongoing conflict, has sparked occasional relocation proposals under former U.S. President Donald Trump’s postwar plan.
That initiative reportedly sought to involve East African states, including Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, but has faced criticism from rights groups and legal experts who warn it could constitute forced displacement under international law.
Image Credit: RNZ
