JERUSALEM — The Palestinian group Hamas on Tuesday strongly condemned Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi “Cirro” over his official visit to Israel, warning against reported plans by Somaliland to establish a diplomatic mission in Jerusalem as relations between the two sides deepen.
In a statement, Hamas described the move as a “dangerous political development” that runs counter to the long-standing position of Arab and Muslim-majority countries regarding the status of Jerusalem and the rights of the Palestinian people.
“Any attempt to establish a diplomatic presence in occupied Jerusalem constitutes implicit recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the city and undermines the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people,” the statement said.
The group urged the Arab League and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to closely monitor what it called “rapidly expanding ties” between Somaliland and Israel, warning that such engagement could have wider political and regional consequences.
The criticism comes after Somaliland’s growing diplomatic engagement with Israel, following reports that Israel formally recognized the self-declared republic in December 2025, marking a significant shift in relations.
President Cirro is currently on a high-level visit to Israel, where he has held meetings with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, senior government officials, investors, and business leaders.
Discussions have reportedly focused on strengthening cooperation in areas including trade, agriculture, technology transfer, security collaboration, and investment promotion.
Israeli and Somaliland officials have described the visit as a milestone in bilateral relations, signaling what they called a “new phase of strategic engagement.”
Supporters of closer ties argue that cooperation with Israel could help Somaliland attract foreign investment, expand its diplomatic outreach, and strengthen economic development after decades of limited international recognition.
Critics, however, warn that the move could further polarize Somaliland’s foreign relations and draw opposition from parts of the Arab and Muslim world amid ongoing regional tensions over Gaza and the status of Jerusalem.
The Somaliland–Israel relationship continues to draw attention across the Horn of Africa and the Middle East as it develops into a new and closely watched diplomatic alignment.
