Israel Eyes Gaza Civilian Relocation to South Sudan Amid Hamas Eradication Push

Israel is exploring a plan to relocate hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Gaza to South Sudan, according to an Associated Press report based on unnamed sources, building on a concept suggested by President Trump in February 2025. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu supports allowing civilians to leave combat zones and potentially Gaza itself, framing it as a strategic move to eradicate Hamas while adhering to the laws of war. "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, emphasizing voluntary exits rather than forced displacement. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly echoed this, noting President Trump's interest in creative solutions for Palestinians, but stressed Hamas must disarm first.

The plan ties into Israel's military strategy, with reports indicating a Gaza City siege planned for October 7, 2025, requiring civilian evacuations to minimize casualties while targeting Hamas. This mirrors the 2024 Rafah offensive, where over a million were temporarily displaced. Joe Szlavik, a lobbying firm founder, revealed South Sudan officials have discussed the idea with him, and an Israeli delegation may visit, with Israel covering costs. National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has long pushed for voluntary migration, arguing it’s a moral solution given Israel’s claim to the land.

However, the proposal faces significant obstacles. Egypt, Jordan, and Lebanon have blocked Gaza refugees since 2007, fearing security threats and demographic shifts. Egypt’s Rafah closure and Jordan’s "red line" stance reflect concerns over a repeat of the 1948 Nakba. Palestinian leaders denounce the plan as ethnic cleansing, arguing it rewards aggression and undermines their right to remain. Egypt opposes it due to potential refugee surges. The Geneva Convention prohibits forcible displacement, though Israel’s voluntary focus aims to navigate this.

Human rights groups like Gisha question the plan’s practicality, noting uncertainty over return rights, especially given South Sudan’s instability. Israel facilitates significant aid—1,700 trucks entered Gaza last week, totaling over 25,000 since October 2023—but UN reports confirm Hamas hijacks 87-88% of aid, complicating distribution. Netanyahu has called disinformation an "eighth front" in Israel’s fight, underscoring the challenge of balancing security and humanitarian needs as talks with South Sudan remain preliminary.