South Sudan has refuted reports suggesting that it is in talks with Israel to resettle Palestinians there.

The reports started circulating after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced plans for a military takeoverof Gaza City in his country's war with Hamas.

International media agencies quoted six sources as reporting being ''familiar with the matter and part of a wider effort by Israel to facilitate mass emigration'' from the Gaza Strip.

South Sudan's Foreign Ministry, in a statement, labelled the reports as "baseless" and "do not reflect the official position or policy of the Government of the Republic of South Sudan."

It further urged the media outlets to verify information through official channels before publishing such reports.

The more than 22-month war between Israel and Hamas has led to thousands of deaths from daily bombings, starvation and other violations, particularly among civilians.