The Trump administration is reportedly exploring a controversial plan to permanently relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya.
Discussions have allegedly taken place with Libyan officials, with the U.S. considering unfreezing billions of dollars in Libyan assets in return.
However, no final agreement has been reached, and the U.S. State Department has publicly denied the reports, calling them "untrue" and "nonsensical."
Hamas has stated it is unaware of such discussions and strongly opposes any plan to relocate Palestinians, insisting only Palestinians have the right to decide their future.
Libya, a country deeply divided by civil conflict and political instability since the 2011 ousting of Moammar Gadhafi, is seen as a highly problematic destination.
The country currently struggles to support its existing population, and absorbing 1 million additional people—nearly 14% of its total population—would be an enormous burden.
Logistics for such mass relocation are unclear and would involve complex and costly transportation arrangements. Gaza lacks an airport, so Palestinians would need to travel through Egypt to fly or take ferries to Libya.
Moving such a large population could require over a thousand flights or hundreds of ferry trips, highlighting the logistical and financial challenges.
The plan aligns with Trump’s broader vision of reconstructing Gaza as the “Riviera of the Middle East” by removing Palestinians and developing the land.
He suggested Palestinians should not return to Gaza, citing violence and poor conditions.
Trump’s proposal has reportedly caught some of his senior officials off guard and has been criticized by both U.S. lawmakers and Arab allies.
Egypt’s proposal to rebuild Gaza without resettling Palestinians was previously rejected by the U.S. and Israel.
Alternative relocation options being considered include Syria, now under new leadership after Bashar al-Assad’s removal.
Trump has recently begun restoring diplomatic ties with Syria, possibly paving the way for such plans.
Critics argue the relocation plan is unrealistic, inhumane, and politically destabilizing.
