(JUBA) – Reports continue to circulate that South Sudan and Israel have discussed the possible resettlement of Palestinians from Gaza in the East African nation, despite official denials from Juba.
According to a report published by Reuters on Friday, three separate sources with direct knowledge of the matter said the issue was raised during recent meetings between Israeli officials and South Sudan’s Foreign Minister Monday Semaya Kumba, who visited Israel last month. The report appeared to contradict earlier statements from South Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs which dismissed such claims as “baseless.”
The discussions were first reported last week by the Associated Press, which cited six sources familiar with the talks. If confirmed, this would suggest ongoing dialogue between the two countries on a proposal that has drawn widespread international attention and controversy.
Palestinian and Arab leaders have previously rejected the idea of relocating people from Gaza to third countries, saying it would amount to displacement and complicity in Israel’s conflict. However, some Palestinians themselves have voiced different perspectives.
Speaking to i24NEWS, Palestinian activist Ahmed Fouad Alkhatib said many in Gaza would welcome the chance to escape the violence and destruction provided there was a prospect of returning in the future, preferably under governance different from that of Hamas.
At the same time, Alkhatib acknowledged that the matter is highly sensitive across the Arab world. Many leaders fear that appearing to cooperate with Israel on such plans could damage their standing at home and in the region. In addition, statements by hardliners within Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government have further complicated the debate.
For South Sudan, the reports highlight once again the country’s complex position in international affairs. While Juba has not confirmed or denied direct discussions, its earlier dismissal of the claims as “groundless” indicates caution in navigating a delicate subject that touches not only on regional diplomacy but also on South Sudan’s own fragile domestic politics.
The proposal, if it were ever pursued, would likely raise significant logistical, political, and humanitarian questions. South Sudan itself continues to face challenges including conflict, insecurity, and economic strain. Hosting refugees from Gaza could place further pressure on limited resources, but it might also offer opportunities for international partnerships and assistance.
A simple illustration shows the scale of difference between the two regions in population terms:
| Region | Estimated Population (2025) | Context |
|---|---|---|
| South Sudan | 11 million | Still recovering from civil conflict |
| Gaza Strip | 2.1 million | High population density, ongoing war |
No formal agreement has been announced, and questions remain as to whether the idea will move beyond preliminary discussions.
