[Today's Prayer] U.S. and Israel Explore Resettlement of Gaza Residents in Africa, Including Sudan

It has been reported that the U.S. and Israel have explored options to resettle Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip in African countries such as Sudan, Somalia, and the unrecognized state of Somaliland, in connection with U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to relocate Gaza residents and have the U.S. occupy and develop the Gaza Strip.

According to reports from the Associated Press (AP) and others on the 14th (local time), U.S. and Israeli officials stated that their respective governments had contacted authorities in Somalia and Somaliland regarding the acceptance of Gaza residents.

U.S. officials also indicated that the Sudanese government was included in the discussions. However, they added that the extent of progress in the discussions or the level at which they took place remains unclear.

Sudanese officials also acknowledged to AP that they had received such a proposal from the U.S., but stated that the Sudanese government had rejected it.

(Excerpt)

Earlier, President Trump had drawn international criticism by revealing plans to relocate Palestinian residents to neighboring Arab countries such as Egypt and Jordan, and to develop the Gaza Strip into a resort area.

Meanwhile, officials from Somalia and Somaliland denied to AP that they had received such a proposal. Somalia has been one of the countries that have publicly supported Palestine, and recently participated in an Arab state meeting that publicly condemned President Trump's "Gaza plan."

AP pointed out that considering these factors, it is unlikely that Somalia would accept a proposal to resettle Gaza residents.

A Somali official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP that there had been no contact from the U.S. and Israel regarding the acceptance of Gaza residents by the Somali government.

Somaliland, which was also reported to be among the countries contacted by the U.S. and Israeli governments, declared unilateral independence from Somalia in 1991 and has not yet been recognized as an independent state.

A U.S. official stated that the U.S. has been "having quite a few conversations" with Somaliland authorities about areas where they could be helpful to the U.S. in exchange for recognition (as an independent state).

However, a Somaliland official, speaking on condition of anonymity, told AP that they had not received such contact and were not having discussions regarding the acceptance of Palestinian residents.

Source: Yonhap News

The sick man answered him, “Sir, I have no one to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up, and while I am going another steps down before me.” Jesus said to him, “Get up, take up your bed, and walk.” And at once the man was healed, and he took up his bed and walked. 1  (John 5:7-9)   

We hear news that the U.S. and Israel are contacting three East African countries to resettle people from the Gaza Strip in other regions.

God, have mercy on the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Although there are hands of world powers reaching out to the Gaza Strip, where the war situation is somewhat stabilizing, none of them are for the sake of Gaza, but rather for their own benefit.

Lord, please guide us so that no conflict arises from the thoughts of each country surrounding Gaza.

The only one who can truly help Gaza and lead them to salvation is You, Lord! Just as the sick man walked and was saved when Jesus told him to take up his bed and walk, may the people of Gaza, who have lived looking for someone to save them, now be saved through the Lord!

Also, may Israel, Palestine, and the world church be able to help Gaza by uniting in prayer rather than turning a blind eye!

May the Palestinian Gaza Strip rise as the last disciple to proclaim the eternal kingdom of God to the nations!