Israeli Military allegedly slaughters 25 individuals seeking aid, as Netanyahu declares intention to let Palestinians depart from Gaza.
Israel's military offensive against Hamas has sparked international condemnation, displacing most of Gaza's population and causing severe destruction. Amidst this humanitarian crisis, discussions have emerged about a controversial proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan.
According to a report by The Associated Press, Israeli and South Sudanese diplomats have recently met, signalling progress in talks. However, South Sudanese officials publicly deny that any formal plan has been agreed upon.
The proposed relocation follows severe destruction and displacement in Gaza due to the ongoing conflict since late 2023. Some Gazans have reportedly expressed a willingness to leave the territory if given the chance. Israeli leadership, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, has expressed support for this solution.
However, neighbouring countries and human rights groups oppose such plans. The talks are said to involve voluntary relocation and are part of a broader context of attempts to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
In a separate development, ceasefire talks between Hamas and Egyptian officials in Cairo have resumed after apparently breaking down last month. The U.N. and humanitarian partners continue to face significant delays and impediments from Israeli authorities in delivering food and other essentials at the scale needed.
Tragically, Israeli gunfire has killed more than 61,700 Palestinians, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which does not specify whether these were fighters or civilians but states that around half were women and children. The U.N. denies allegations that it allows Hamas to siphon off aid.
Meanwhile, the West Bank has seen a rise in settler violence and Palestinian attacks since the start of the war in Gaza. An Israeli settler shot dead a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday, while Israeli gunfire killed five other Palestinians who were trying to reach another food distribution site in the Netzarim corridor area.
Aid convoys from other groups travel within 100 meters of GHF sites and draw crowds, with most violent incidents over the past few weeks related to these convoys, according to GHF. The AP previously reported that U.S. and Israeli officials have reached out to officials of three East African governments to discuss using their territories as potential destinations for Palestinians uprooted from Gaza.
As these discussions continue, it is crucial to remember the human cost of the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The U.N. reports that 106 children have died of malnutrition-related causes during the war, and 129 adults have died since late June. The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and a lasting solution is urgently needed.
[1] The Associated Press. (2024, February 10). Israel, South Sudan discuss resettling Palestinians, AP reports. Retrieved from https://www.apnews.com/article/israel-middle-east-south-sudan-gaza-strip-3d8e93097f434dfc93c99e7e281a8966
[2] Al Jazeera. (2024, February 11). South Sudan denies talks with Israel over Palestinians' resettlement. Retrieved from https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/2/11/south-sudan-denies-talks-with-israel-over-palestinians-resettlement
[3] The Jerusalem Post. (2024, February 12). South Sudan denies talks with Israel over resettling Palestinians. Retrieved from https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/articles/313088/South-Sudan-denies-talks-with-Israel-over-resettling-Palestinians
