In a stark reminder of the ongoing attempts to undermine Palestinian sovereignty, reports have emerged revealing that the United States and Israel approached Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland with a controversial plan to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza. The proposal, allegedly part of a broader strategy linked to the Trump administration’s so-called "deal of the century," sought to displace Gaza’s population and repurpose the territory for real estate development. However, the three African nations have firmly rejected the plan, reaffirming their solidarity with the Palestinian cause.  

According to sources cited by the Associated Press, discussions between US officials and Sudanese authorities included offers of military and economic support in exchange for cooperation. Sudan, however, categorically refused. General Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, head of Sudan’s military, declared during a recent Arab League summit in Cairo that his country would never support any scheme to displace Palestinians from their homeland. "The Palestinian people have the right to remain on their land, and no justification can legitimise their forced removal," he stated.  

Similarly, Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland denied any involvement in the talks. A Somaliland official, speaking anonymously, clarified that the territory had not been approached and would not entertain such proposals. This rejection comes despite Somaliland’s ongoing quest for international recognition, a goal that some speculated might make it susceptible to external pressure.  

For Palestinians, the revelation of this plan is both alarming and unsurprising. It echoes decades of displacement and dispossession, from the Nakba of 1948 to the ongoing expansion of illegal settlements in the West Bank. Gaza, already under a suffocating blockade, remains a symbol of Palestinian resilience in the face of systemic oppression. The idea of uprooting its population has been met with outrage, with many viewing it as a blatant attempt to erase Palestinian identity and rights.  

The refusal by Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland to participate in such schemes highlights the enduring solidarity among nations that recognise the injustice faced by Palestinians. Yet, the very existence of this plan underscores the lengths to which some powers are willing to go to dismantle Palestinian aspirations for statehood. As the international community remains largely silent, Palestinians continue to resist, steadfast in their demand for justice, freedom, and the right to remain on their land.