Israel made a bold move on Friday by recognising Somaliland as an independent country. Somaliland, which declared independence from Somalia over 30 years ago, welcomed the decision as "a historic moment." But Somalia angrily rejected Israel's move, calling it an attack on its sovereignty. Many countries, including China, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, and the African Union, condemned Israel's sudden recognition. China's foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated, "No country should encourage or support other countries' internal separatist forces for its own selfish interests." Somaliland is a semi-desert territory on the Gulf of Aden. It declared independence in 1991 after years of conflict following the fall of Somali dictator Siad Barre. Though not internationally recognised before, Somaliland has its own government, police, and currency, and hosts about six million people. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the recognition respects Somaliland's "right of self-determination" and offers a chance to grow ties. Analysts say Israel's move aims to gain allies near the Red Sea, possibly to act against Yemen's Iran-backed Houthis. The Houthis warned any Israeli presence there would be a "military target." There were reports Israel might resettle Palestinians from Gaza in Somaliland, though Israel has not confirmed this. Somalia and the Palestinian Authority oppose this idea strongly. Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud called Israel's recognition an "existential threat" to Somali unity. Many nations see Israel's move as breaking international rules protecting Somalia's borders. The African Union fears this may encourage other separatist movements, risking region-wide instability. Some countries close to Somaliland, like the UAE, stayed silent but are believed to support Israel's position. Ethiopia has also not commented, choosing to watch the situation carefully. Former US President Donald Trump questioned if anyone really knows Somaliland and showed no hurry to recognise it. The issue remains hot as the world watches the fallout of Israel's controversial recognition of Somaliland.