Israeli government reportedly considers relocating Palestinians to Somaliland region

Somalia’s Defence Minister Accuses Israel of Planning to Forcefully Displace Palestinians

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Somalia’s minister of defence, Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, has confirmed that his country has received information suggesting Israel plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians to Somaliland. Fiqi described the alleged plan as a “serious violation” of international law.

According to Fiqi, Israel has long sought to divide countries and control the Middle East. He stated that Somalia’s sovereignty is being directly attacked by Israel’s recognition of Somaliland as an independent state. Fiqi also claimed that Israel has a plan to transfer Palestinians and send them to Somaliland, but did not provide further details.

The move to recognize Somaliland was made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in December, making Israel the first country to do so. The decision has sparked global criticism, with dozens of countries and organizations condemning it. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud had previously stated that Somaliland had accepted three conditions from Israel: the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of a military base on the coast of the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords to normalize ties with Israel.

However, officials in Somaliland have denied agreeing to resettle Palestinians or discuss an Israeli military base. Fiqi reiterated that Israel wants to create a military base to destabilize the region, citing the Bab al-Mandeb Strait as a key location. He also emphasized that Israel has no legal right to grant legitimacy to a region within a sovereign state.

The recognition of Somaliland by Israel has been met with protests in Somalia and swift criticism from various countries and organizations. Fiqi stated that his country will use all available diplomatic and legal means to reject Israel’s alleged plan, praising the US administration for not recognizing Somaliland.

Source: Al Jazeera