Trump Administration Considers Relocation of Gaza Residents to Syria
The Trump administration is exploring relocating Gaza residents to Syria, alongside previously considered options like Somalia and Sudan. U.S. officials are coordinating with Egypt regarding a reconstruction plan contingent on Hamas’ disarmament. However, logistical challenges and regional stability issues complicate any relocation efforts.
On March 18, CBS News reported that the Trump administration is considering relocating residents of Gaza to Syria. Reports indicate that U.S. authorities have made attempts to engage with the newly established Turkish-backed Syrian regime, under Ahmed al-Sharaa, via a third-party contact in the Druze border region. However, Syrian officials have denied receiving any such requests from Washington, coinciding with an Israeli airstrike that killed over 420 individuals in Gaza.
Previously, the U.S. explored the possibility of moving Palestinians to Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan, but the suggestion of Syria has emerged as Israel has expanded its occupied territories beyond the Golan Heights. Moreover, Sky News Arabia has disclosed that the U.S. has tentatively approved an Egyptian initiative for post-conflict reconstruction in Gaza. American officials are urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to consent to the establishment of a Palestinian “technocratic committee” governing Gaza, endorsed by regional and international bodies.
The U.S. has conditioned its support for this reconstruction plan on the removal and disarmament of Hamas, coordinating with Egypt to potentially bar Hamas from the governance of Gaza. President Trump has expressed an intention to arrest violence in the region, suggesting U.S. leadership in reconstruction efforts to transform Gaza into a “Middle East Riviera,” while clarifying that there would be no plans to deport Palestinians.
However, the relocation of Palestinians presents numerous challenges. Dahir Hassan, Somalia’s ambassador to the U.S., stated that no official requests from the U.S. or Israel regarding assistance in accepting Palestinians had been received. He cautioned that disseminating unverified information could facilitate recruitment by extremist organizations like ISIS and Al-Shabaab, posing a threat to regional stability. Additionally, the Sudanese government has yet to respond to these developments.
The Syrian regime, under President Ahmad al-Sharaa—formerly known as Mohammed al-Jolani—has maintained power for only three months after the fall of the Bashar al-Assad regime. Conversely, Sudan currently grapples with civil conflict, facing significant humanitarian challenges, including a refugee crisis and widespread famine.
The Trump administration’s consideration of relocating Gaza residents to Syria, alongside other regional options, highlights the complex geopolitical landscape. U.S. involvement in post-war reconstruction efforts in Gaza remains contingent upon significant political changes, particularly concerning Hamas. The challenges associated with relocation underscore wider regional instability, complicating humanitarian responses in the area.
Original Source: www.intellinews.com
