(JUBA) – South Sudan and Israel signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on bilateral cooperation on Wednesday, while the South Sudanese government dismissed reports suggesting the country could host Palestinian refugees from Gaza.
The agreement, signed in Juba by South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba and Israeli Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel, establishes a framework for diplomatic consultations and joint initiatives between the two countries.
“The signing of this memorandum marks a pivotal step in strengthening relations between South Sudan and Israel,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.
The specifics of the agreement remain unclear, including its timing and whether it might lead to future migration arrangements.
Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel posted on X that she arrived in South Sudan as part of Israel’s first official delegation to the world’s youngest country. She said she met President Salva Kiir Mayardit, Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba, Deputy Foreign Minister Equator Bona Malwal Madur, and Speaker Jemma Nunu Kumba.
Haskel added that the delegation signed a diplomatic MoU and visited an Israeli trauma centre, which she said had saved dozens of children’s lives.
The visit occurred amid media reports suggesting Israel had discussed relocating Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to South Sudan.
Juba swiftly denied the claims. “These claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan,” the foreign ministry said on Wednesday.
Social media and public conversations in the capital expressed concern over the possibility of hosting Gazan refugees.
Israel’s military has intensified operations in Gaza City in recent days ahead of a planned takeover of the enclave, home to more than 2 million Palestinians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated the view, also promoted by U.S. President Donald Trump, that Palestinians should leave Gaza. Many world leaders have criticised the idea, citing potential humanitarian catastrophe.
Other African nations, including Somalia and Somaliland, recently rejected similar proposals for Gazan resettlement, emphasising their refusal to host displaced populations.
South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba visited Israel last month and met Netanyahu, according to the ministry in Juba. Last month, the South Sudanese government confirmed it was caring for eight migrants deported from the United States, who had lost legal challenges to halt their transfer.
Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has endured extended conflict and a current political crisis following President Salva Kiir’s order to arrest Vice President Riek Machar in March.
