Israeli minister in South Sudan denies Palestinian resettlement talks

August 13, 2025 (JUBA) – A visiting Israeli deputy minister on Wednesday denied reports that her country was in talks with South Sudan to accept Palestinians resettled from Gaza, following a social media backlash against the alleged plan in the African nation.

The reports drew condemnation online, with some users calling any such decision unacceptable and made without public consultation.

Deputy Foreign Minister Sharren Haskel said the issue was not part of her visit to Juba.

“This was not on the agenda of our visit. There has been no conversation between our ministry and officials in the government of South Sudan,” Haskel told reporters.

She acknowledged broader efforts to find countries willing to accept Palestinians who want to leave Gaza but insisted South Sudan was not part of any such discussion.

“Our visit is on a bilateral matter, and it will open dialogue and cooperation in various fields in healthcare, energy, security and agriculture,” she added.

The reports also drew a sharp reaction from local civil society groups.

“South Sudan is not a dumping ground,” said Edmund Yakani, executive director of the Community Empowerment for Progress Organization (CEPO), a prominent advocacy group.

South Sudan’s foreign ministry issued its own denial on Wednesday.

“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of South Sudan firmly refutes recent media reports,” a statement read. “These claims are baseless and do not reflect the official position or policy of the government.”