US Consultancy Proposed Relocation of Gazans to Somalia and Somaliland
A leaked proposal by Boston Consulting Group outlined a plan to relocate Gazans to Somalia, Somaliland, and other countries, drawing global criticism over potential ethnic cleansing.
Israeli military operations have displaced much of the population since late 2023. Photo: @haricitr
August 8, 2025 Hour: 7:26 am
A confidential plan commissioned by Israeli business interests and developed by Boston Consulting Group aimed to relocate large numbers of Palestinians from Gaza to countries including Somalia and Somaliland, raising alarms over potential ethnic cleansing.
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Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a major US-based consulting firm, developed a proposal described as a “humanitarian solution” for the mass relocation of Palestinians from Gaza. The plan reportedly involved complex logistical and financial mechanisms to facilitate large-scale population transfers.
Documents revealed on Thursday indicate that the proposal identified Somalia and the breakaway region of Somaliland among the priority destinations, alongside Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Jordan. The project resurfaced amid earlier remarks from US President Donald Trump, who suggested transforming Gaza into the “Riviera of the Middle East.”
According to sources close to the project, discussions between Israeli and US officials and East African leaders centered on the possibility of accepting deported Palestinians. In exchange, incentives were reportedly offered, including the potential recognition of Somaliland’s independence.
“A country accepting Gazans who relocate temporarily and voluntarily would receive a population injection with potentially significant economic benefits,” a source told the Financial Times. However, the source added, “The countries in the model were not selected based on concrete discussions. The idea was to analyze economic factors related to options President Trump had raised.”
BCG’s internal projections estimated that 25 percent of Gaza’s population might leave voluntarily, with little likelihood of return. The firm forecasted economic gains of \$4.7 billion for receiving countries over a four-year period.
Despite the language of voluntary relocation, implementation would require the evacuation of Gaza’s approximately two million residents. Legal experts have warned that such a forced transfer could constitute an act of ethnic cleansing under international law.
The consultancy has previously been involved in designing and managing a controversial US-backed humanitarian aid program. Although BCG initially denied ties to the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), records show it secured contracts worth over \$4 million for seven months of work.
Criticism intensified after Hamas accused GHF sites of facilitating forced displacement. In response to the outcry, BCG publicly disavowed the relocation proposal and stated that the responsible partner had been instructed to halt any further development of the project.
Since Israel began its military campaign in Gaza in October 2023, the territory has been subjected to extensive displacement operations. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 61,258 Palestinians have been killed and 152,045 wounded over nearly 22 months of bombardment. The offensive has left the enclave in ruins and on the brink of famine.
Author: MK
Source: HispanTV - Middle East Eye
