Israel is reportedly in talks with South Sudan over a contentious proposal to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to the East African nation, according to six individuals familiar with the matter.

The plan is part of a broader Israeli initiative to remove Palestinians from the enclave — a move that human rights organisations have condemned as potentially amounting to ethnic cleansing and a breach of international law.

Critics argue the relocation could permanently prevent Palestinians from returning to Gaza. They warn that a mass departure could pave the way for Israel to annex the territory and revive Israeli settlements there, as advocated by far-right members of the Israeli government.

South Sudan, still grappling with the aftermath of a brutal civil war that erupted shortly after its independence in 2011, has lost nearly 400,000 lives to the conflict and continues to battle food insecurity. The nation already shelters significant refugee populations fleeing conflicts in neighbouring states.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously expressed his support for what he terms “voluntary migration” for many of Gaza’s residents, linking the idea to earlier remarks by United States President Donald Trump.

“I think that the right thing to do, even according to the laws of war as I know them, is to allow the population to leave, and then you go in with all your might against the enemy who remains there,” Netanyahu said on Tuesday. He made no direct reference to South Sudan.

Sources say Israel and the US have discussed similar proposals with Sudan, Somalia, and the self-declared Republic of Somaliland.

Egypt, which borders Gaza, has firmly rejected any forced removal of Palestinians, citing fears of an influx of refugees into its territory.

Edmund Yakani, a South Sudanese civil society leader, said the country “should not become a dumping ground for people … and it should not accept to take people as negotiating chips to improve relations”.

Joe Szlavik, founder of a US lobbying group working with South Sudan, said he was informed by South Sudanese officials about the talks. According to Szlavik, Juba is seeking the removal of US travel restrictions and sanctions on certain South Sudanese elites, suggesting Washington could play a role in any arrangement.

Peter Martell, a commentator on South Sudan’s affairs, noted that “cash-strapped South Sudan needs any ally, financial gain and diplomatic security it can get”.

The Trump administration has previously urged nations to accept deportations. South Sudan has already taken in eight individuals deported from the US under the administration’s mass removal policy.

AU Rejects Relocation Plans For Palestinians

The African Union (AU) has voiced strong opposition to any efforts to relocate Palestinians to South Sudan or other African states. The AU maintains its longstanding support for Palestinian self-determination and the establishment of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel, in line with the two-state solution.

The organisation’s solidarity stems from historical parallels between the Palestinian cause and African struggles against colonialism. Reports of Israel–South Sudan negotiations have heightened AU concerns over the legality and morality of forced displacement.

AU officials stress that such moves could contravene international law, undermine the Palestinian right of return, and destabilise African nations already struggling with internal conflicts and large refugee populations.

Instead, the AU advocates for solutions that uphold Palestinian autonomy, comply with international law, and foster genuine peace in the Middle East. It rejects relocation schemes as counterproductive distractions from the goal of sovereignty and peaceful coexistence.

This position reflects a broader African commitment to Palestinian rights and regional stability, aligning with the AU’s historical stance against externally imposed displacements and in favour of negotiated political settlements.