JUBA – South Sudan Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation “firmly refutes” recent media reports claiming that Juba is engaging in discussion with the State of Israel regarding the resettlement of Palestinian Nationals from Gaza to the country.
This comes after Associated Press reported on Wednesday that Israel has been in talks with South Sudan about issue, which is part of an initial plan to expel residents of the enclave devastated by two years of war.
“These claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan,” a statement from the foreign ministry noted.
It didn’t deny if the discussion indeed took place. But it urged “all media outlets to exercise due diligence and verify information through official channels before publication.”
AP news agency cited six people familiar with the matter as having confirmed that talks have taken place, although it is unclear how far they have advanced.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he wants to realize US President Donald Trump’s vision of relocating much of Gaza’s population through what Netanyahu refers to as “voluntary migration.”
Israel has floated similarly resettlement proposals with other African nations, including Sudan and Somalia.
“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 Tuesday in an interview with i24, and Israeli TV station as cited by AP. He did not make reference to South Sudan.