Accusations of a controversial relocation plan are emerging as Somalia alleges Israel intends to transfer Gaza residents to Somaliland. The claims, made by Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi, come shortly after Israel formally recognized Somaliland’s sovereignty in December – a move condemned by several nations as potentially destabilizing to the region [[3]]. While Israel denies any such agreement, the allegations raise serious questions regarding the potential outcomes for gaza’s population amid ongoing conflict adn broader geopolitical implications [[3]].
Somalia Claims Israel Plans to Forcefully Relocate Gaza Residents to Somaliland
이미지 확대
[AFP/Yonhap News Agency. Redistribution and DB prohibited]
(Istanbul=Yonhap News Agency) – Somalia alleges that Israel is planning to forcibly relocate residents of the Gaza Strip to Somaliland, a self-declared but internationally unrecognized state in Africa, according to claims made on January 11th.
Somali Defense Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi revealed the information during an interview with the Arab broadcaster Al Jazeera, stating, “This is a serious violation of international law.” The accusation comes amid heightened scrutiny of potential outcomes for Gaza’s population as the conflict continues.
Fiqi also referenced Israel’s recent recognition of Somaliland as a sovereign nation, arguing that “Israel has been plotting to divide countries for 20 years and to take control of countries within the Middle East.”
The Somali minister further asserted that Israel intends to construct a military base near the Bab-el-Mandeb Strait, which borders Somaliland. He warned that such a move would destabilize the region. The Bab-el-Mandeb Strait is a strategically important sea lane connecting the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and the Indian Ocean.
Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar previously denied any such agreement, stating in a media interview that the relocation of Palestinian residents from Gaza to Somaliland was not included in the bilateral understanding between the two countries.
Somaliland unilaterally declared independence from Somalia in 1991, following the collapse of Siad Barre’s regime, but has not received international recognition in the decades since.
dk@yna.co.kr
Report a story via KakaoTalk okjebo
<Copyright (c) Yonhap News Agency,
Unauthorized reproduction-redistribution, AI learning and use prohibited>
January 11, 2026 21:42 Sent
