Somalia Alleges Israel Plan To Relocate Gaza Palestinians To Somaliland — Recognition Triggers Regional Backlash

Somalia's Defence Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi has publicly accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Somaliland, calling the alleged proposal a "serious violation" of international law. The claim has intensified regional and international scrutiny after Israel in December became the first country to formally recognise Somaliland's self-declared independence.

Fiqi's Statement and Context

In an interview with Al Jazeera, Fiqi said Somalia had "confirmed information that Israel has a plan to transfer Palestinians and to send them to [Somaliland]." These allegations echo earlier Somali concerns that recognition of Somaliland could be tied to arrangements for resettlement, security cooperation, or other strategic concessions — claims that both Israeli and Somaliland officials have denied or characterised differently.

Key Claims, Denials and Limited Details

Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar told Channel 14 that forcible relocation of Palestinians to Somaliland "was not part of our agreement," while declining to publish the full terms of the recognition. A Somaliland source speaking anonymously also denied that relocation was a concession made by Somaliland leaders.

"I think we have a lot of topics in the field of politics, security, development, and others that we will advance with Somaliland … And I can say this is not part of our agreement," — Gideon Saar

Somalia's President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously told Al Jazeera that, in his view, Somaliland accepted three conditions from Israel: resettling Palestinians, permitting a coastal military base on the Gulf of Aden, and joining the Abraham Accords. Fiqi urged Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, describing Israel's move as a "direct attack" on Somalia's sovereignty.

Security Concerns and Military Base Questions

Fiqi and other Somali officials also alleged Israel seeks a military foothold in the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, a strategic chokepoint linking the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. Somaliland's Ministry of Foreign Affairs initially denied plans for a base, but Deqa Qasim — an official in the ministry — later told Israel's Channel 12 that an Israeli military base was "on the table and being discussed," adding that any such deployment would depend on negotiated terms.

Houthi leaders have warned that any Israeli presence in Somaliland would be regarded as a threat and could become a target, raising concerns about potential escalation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden maritime corridors.

Diplomatic Fallout

Gideon Saar's visit to Hargeisa on January 6 prompted a joint condemnation from 22 countries and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), which described the visit as a "clear violation" of Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The 57-member OIC convened an extraordinary summit in Saudi Arabia and adopted two resolutions: one condemning Israel's recognition of Somaliland and another expressing solidarity with Palestine.

Turkey's foreign minister said Ankara and several Muslim countries coordinated efforts to discourage further recognitions of Somaliland. India, responding to rumours it might follow Israel's lead, reiterated its longstanding ties with Somalia and emphasised the importance of respecting Somalia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Where Things Stand

The allegations of plans to transfer Palestinians remain unverified beyond Somali officials' claims. Israeli and Somaliland authorities have not released full details of their discussions. President Mohamud has appealed to Somaliland leaders to return to negotiations with Mogadishu, warning that unilateral moves toward recognition and separation would likely leave Somaliland in diplomatic limbo without wider international acceptance.

Note: This article reports competing claims and denials. The relocation allegation is an accusation by Somali officials; it has not been independently confirmed by Israeli, Somaliland, or other international authorities.