US Exploring Permanent Relocation Of Up To One Million Palestinians From Gaza To Libya: Report

The Donald Trump administration in the United Staes is reportedly weighing a proposal to permanently resettle as many as one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, NBC News reported, citing five sources familiar with the matter.

According to the report, the plan is being seriously considered, with diplomatic-level talks already taking place between the US and Libya.

As part of the deal, the US would reportedly unfreeze billions of dollars in Libyan assets held since the early 2010s in return for accepting the relocated Palestinians.

"No final agreement has been reached, and Israel has been kept informed of the administration’s discussions," the report said.

A US government spokesperson, however, denied the report, stating, “These reports are untrue,” and added that the current situation on the ground is "untenable" for such a plan.

"Such a plan was not discussed and makes no sense,” the spokesperson added.

Libya has remained in chaos since the 2011 NATO-backed toppling of longtime dictator Muammar Gaddafi, resulting in competing eastern and western governments supported by armed factions.

According to NBC News, Palestinian terror outfit Hamas' Basem Naim claimed the the US-designated terrorist group was unaware of any relocation talks.

The details of when or how any plan to relocate Palestinians to Libya could be implemented are murky, and an effort to resettle up to 1 million people there would likely face significant obstacles, according to the report.

Cost remains a major hurdle, and it's uncertain how funding would be arranged by the Trump administration.

Though the Trump administration had earlier suggested Arab states would aid Gaza’s recovery, many have criticized the idea of permanent relocation.

The administration has also explored using Libya as a destination for some immigrants it wants to deport, though a recent attempt was blocked by a federal judge.

Relocating such a large number could destabilise Libya further, given its already fragile internal structure.

With Libya’s population at roughly 7.36 million, absorbing an additional million Palestinians would be akin to the US suddenly taking in 46 million people.

A former US official confirmed that no specific resettlement zones within Libya have been chosen. Transport options including land, air, and sea routes are reportedly all under review.

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