Israeli official visits South Sudan amid reports of talks over forced transfer of Palestinians

Israel’s deputy foreign minister, Sharren Haskel, is holding a series of meetings in South Sudan amid reports that Israel is discussing the forced transfer of Palestinians from Gaza to the East African country.

An Associated Press report, citing six sources familiar with the matter, said on Tuesday that Israel and South Sudan are discussing a potential plan to resettle Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to South Sudan.

While Netanyahu frames the relocation of Gaza’s population as “voluntary migration”, human rights organisations warn that the plan would result in the forced expulsion of Palestinians, in violation of international law.

In a statement announcing the visit, Haskel accused the international community of focusing “solely” on Gaza, saying South Sudan faces “a real humanitarian crisis”.

Israeli officials have been denying there is a humanitarian crisis in Gaza during its siege and war on the territory, despite UN warnings that key food and nutrition indicators have exceeded famine thresholds.

The statement said Haskel's visit is focused on deepening cooperation in various areas and advancing joint initiatives and "exploring options for Israeli humanitarian aid" in the country.