US and Israel in talks with 3 countries to take in Palestinians, and one of them is absolute hell

Officials have reached out to two countries, while expressing interest in a third.

PUBLISHED MAR 17, 2025

Smoke rises over the Damascene Sword monument in Umayyad Square in Damascus, Syria.

Washington D.C.: The Trump administration, in collaboration with Israel, has reportedly approached the governments of Sudan, Somalia, and Syria as potential destinations for resettling Palestinians from Gaza, according to sources familiar with the effort.

During a February press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Trump suggested Gaza could become the “Riviera of the Middle East” if Palestinians were resettled elsewhere. He later clarified that Palestinians would have a choice but indicated their departure could be permanent, stating Gaza is “not habitable” and won’t be for years. The United Nations reports that over 90% of Gaza’s housing is damaged or destroyed, with 1.9 million people displaced.

The United Nations reports that over 90% of Gaza’s housing is damaged or destroyed, with 1.9 million people displaced.

Diplomatic sources confirmed that US and Israeli officials have reached out to Sudan and Somalia, while also expressing interest in Syria. However, Somalia’s ambassador to the US, Dahir Hassan, denied any formal contact, warning that such rumors could fuel extremist propaganda.

The proposal has drawn sharp criticism from Arab governments, the United Nations, and some US lawmakers, who liken it to ethnic cleansing. Arab leaders have instead endorsed an Egyptian-led reconstruction plan for Gaza, which the Trump administration and Israel have rejected, citing Gaza’s uninhabitable conditions.

Here's a deeper look at whether Sudan, Somalia, and Syria can even support nearly two million Palestinians, and how teh countries compare economically and demographically with Palestine.

Palestine (Gaza Strip) facts

Ethnic Group: Palestinian Arabs

Religion: 99% Sunni Islam

Total Area: 365 km2 (Gaza)

Population: 2,141,643 (density) 5,967.5/km2

GDP: Unknown

Per capita income: $3,100

Sudan Facts

Ethnic Group: 70% Sudanese Arab

Religion: 97% Sunni Islam

Total Area: 1,886,068 sq/km

Population: 50,467,278 (density) 21.3/km2

GDP: $172.651 billion

Per capita income: $3,604

Somalia Facts

Ethnic Group: 85% Somali

Religion: Sunni Islam

Total Area: 637,657 sq/km

Population: 18,143,378 (density) 27.2/km2

GDP: $34.03 billion

Per capita income: $2,060

Syria Facts

Ethnic Group: 80–90% Arabs

Religion: 79.19% Sunni Islam

Total Area: 185,180 sq/km

Population: 25,255,139 (density) 118.3/km2

GDP: $50.28 billion

Per capita income: $800