(MENAFN) Reports from Israeli media suggest that officials from Israel are engaged in undisclosed discussions with the Democratic Republic of Congo and other African nations regarding a controversial plan for the resettlement of thousands of Palestinian migrants from Gaza. Described as a "voluntary" relocation initiative, the plan is said to be gaining prominence within Benjamin Netanyahu's coalition, with Israel holding talks with several African countries to gauge their willingness to accept migrants from Gaza.
According to the Times of Israel, a senior government source revealed that the "voluntary" resettlement of individuals from the besieged Palestinian enclave to the central African country is gradually becoming a significant policy consideration for the Israeli government. The report quotes an unnamed official stating, "Congo will be willing to take in migrants, and we're in talks with others." However, it acknowledges the challenge of finding countries that are willing to absorb Gazans.
The Democratic Republic of Congo, characterized by high levels of poverty, inequality, and recurrent regional conflicts, is reportedly one of the nations considered for this controversial resettlement plan. The World Food Program notes that about 52.5 percent of the country's 5.5 million population lives below the poverty line.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing a Likud party meeting, confirmed the progress in plans for the migration of Gazans while acknowledging the difficulty of finding countries willing to accept them.
The proposed resettlement plan has faced international criticism, with the United States rejecting statements from Israeli officials advocating for the "voluntary migration" of Palestinians outside of Gaza. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller described such statements as "irresponsible."
As discussions around this contentious proposal unfold, the potential resettlement of Palestinians in Africa raises ethical, humanitarian, and geopolitical concerns. The global community closely watches the developments surrounding this plan and its implications for the affected population and the broader Middle East peace process.
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