Israel is reportedly in confidential discussions with South Sudan regarding talks to relocate Gazans to Africa, a move framed by Israeli leadership as “voluntary migration” but criticized by many as tantamount to forced displacement.
According to Associated Press (AP) report, the talks are underway, though the precise scope and stage of the discussions remain unclear. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu validated the strategy, linking it to U.S. President Donald Trump’s long-touted vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population
“I think that the right thing to do … is to allow the population to leave, and then you go in with all your might against the enemy who remains there,” Netanyahu said during an interview with Israel’s i24 TV cited by AP News.
This controversial strategy to relocate Gazans to Africa was said to have been muted by some Western advisors, according to the Financial Times, including a modeling study by the Boston Consulting Group in March 2025 that projected voluntary relocation of up to 25 percent of Gazans to African countries like Somalia and South Sudan. The study claimed that this could result in potential economic gains for host countries of more than $4.7 billion, an idea that has since been publicly slammed by civil societies in South Sudan.
In the report exposing the said relocation plot, AP wrote: “Two of the officials, both from Egypt, told AP they’ve known for months about Israel’s efforts to find a country to accept Palestinians, including its contact with South Sudan. They said they’ve been lobbying South Sudan against taking the Palestinians.
“Egypt is deeply opposed to plans to transfer Palestinians out of Gaza, with which it shares a border, fearing an influx of refugees into its own territory.
“The AP previously reported on similar talks initiated by Israel and the U.S. with Sudan and Somalia, countries that are also grappling with war and hunger, and the breakaway region of Somalia known as Somaliland. The status of those discussions is not known.”
Joe Szlavik, a Washington-based lobbyist working closely with South Sudanese officials, confirmed that an Israeli delegation plans to assess sites for makeshift camps possibly funded by Israel:
“An Israeli delegation plans to visit the country to look into the possibility of setting up camps for Palestinians there,” Szlavik said. “[Israel] would likely pay for makeshift camps.”
Commentators view South Sudan’s willingness to entertain such talks as tied to its domestic economic challenges.
“Cash-strapped South Sudan needs any ally, financial gain and diplomatic security it can get,” said Peter Martell, author of First Raise a Flag.
Widespread Opposition
The proposal has drawn immediate condemnation from Palestinians, human rights groups, and regional actors:
“Any such relocation is essentially a blueprint for forced expulsion,” warned critics, who argue it violates international law and undermines Palestinians’ right to return as quoted by AP.
Egypt, deeply concerned about potential demographic spillover, has actively lobbied South Sudan against the idea.
Meanwhile, South Sudanese civil society are voicing concerns:“South Sudan should not become a dumping ground for people,” said Edmund Yakani, leader of a Juba-based civil-society group. “And it should not accept to take people as negotiating chips to improve relations.”
Humanitarian Crisis
The push for relocation comes amid a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza. South Sudan, a young nation still recovering from civil war and widespread food insecurity, is ill-equipped to accommodate mass refugee flows.
Moreover, UN agencies and NGOs have consistently warned against plans that risk permanent displacement, urging instead for ceasefire, reconstruction, and rebuilding within Gaza itself.
