Ramallah – Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has strongly condemned Israel’s recognition of the self-declared Republic of Somaliland, asserting that it forms part of a larger political scheme aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians, particularly from the Gaza Strip.
The Palestinian Presidency affirmed its unwavering support for the unity and sovereignty of Somalia, viewing Israel’s move as a desperate attempt to redraw the geopolitical map at the expense of the Palestinian people.
President Abbas’s remarks followed an announcement from the Israeli Prime Minister’s office, confirming official recognition of Somaliland as an independent and sovereign state. This decision has sparked widespread international condemnation and regional reservations due to its potential to undermine Somali territorial integrity and violate international law.
According to the Palestinian News Agency (WAFA), President Abbas emphasized the State of Palestine’s full support for Somalia’s unity and territorial integrity. He categorically rejected any actions or arrangements that could compromise Somalia’s sovereignty or destabilize its internal affairs.
Abbas reiterated Palestine’s support for legitimate Somali institutions and denounced any attempts to impose parallel entities or create a political fait accompli that contradicts the unity of the Somali state. He argued that such moves serve external agendas unrelated to the will of the people or the stability of the region.
The Palestinian President lauded the international and regional opposition to Israel’s recognition, viewing it as part of an escalating Israeli policy to export the Palestinian crisis and create forced geographical alternatives for Palestinians, instead of adhering to the requirements of a just and comprehensive solution.
Concerns regarding the potential displacement of Gaza residents have grown in recent months, fueled by official Israeli statements and Hebrew media reports suggesting potential destinations, including African nations like Somalia. The mutual recognition between Israel and Somaliland is seen as a political escalation that raises legitimate fears about the future of Palestinians and the stability of the Horn of Africa region.
