Hyderabad, Dec. 27 -- Israel has become the first country in the world to formally recognise the breakaway Somali region of Somaliland as an independent state, a move that has sparked fierce regional and international condemnation and revived fears that it is linked to plans to forcibly resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Africa.

Netanyahu's announcement

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday, Decembe 26, that Israel had officially recognised Somaliland as an "independent and sovereign state" and signed a joint declaration of mutual recognition with Somaliland President Abdirahman Mohamed Abdullahi (Cirro) and Foreign Minister Gideon Saar.

The deal paves the way for full diplomatic ties, including embassies and ambassador...