Doha: Somalia’s Minister of Defence, Ahmed Moallim Fiqi Ahmed, has accused Israel of planning to forcibly relocate Palestinians to the breakaway region of Somaliland, describing the alleged move as a serious violation of international law, Al Jazeera reported.

Speaking to Al Jazeera, Fiqi said Somalia has “confirmed information” indicating that Israel intends to transfer Palestinians to Somaliland. He also urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to withdraw Israel’s diplomatic recognition of Somaliland, calling the move a direct attack on Somalia’s sovereignty.

Israel announced its recognition of Somaliland in December last year, becoming the first country to do so. The decision triggered widespread condemnation from Somalia, which considers Somaliland an integral part of its territory. Fiqi claimed that Israel has long pursued policies aimed at dividing countries in the region and alleged that it is seeking to establish a military foothold in northwestern Somalia.

According to Al Jazeera, the allegations come amid reports by international media that Israeli officials had contacted authorities in Somalia, Somaliland, and Sudan to discuss the use of their territories for relocating Palestinians during the ongoing war in Gaza. Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has previously stated that Somaliland accepted conditions from Israel, including the resettlement of Palestinians, the establishment of a military base along the Gulf of Aden, and participation in the Abraham Accords.

However, officials in Somaliland have denied agreeing to resettle Palestinians or hosting an Israeli military base. Despite these denials, Fiqi reiterated concerns that Israel aims to establish a military presence near the Bab al-Mandeb Strait, warning that such a move could destabilise the wider Horn of Africa region.