NBC News has reported that the Trump administration is exploring a plan to resettle one million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, citing informed sources familiar with the matter.
While no final agreement has been reached, sources indicated that the plan has progressed far enough to prompt discussions between US officials and Libyan leadership.
According to NBC, in exchange for the proposed resettlement, the Trump administration has considered the possibility of releasing billions of dollars in frozen Libyan assets held in the United States for over a decade. These funds would potentially serve as compensation or financial support for the relocation plans.
The US State Department declined to comment directly on the report, saying that the current situation on the ground does not permit the execution of such a plan and that it has not been seriously discussed.
Hamas, the de facto ruling authority in Gaza, has firmly rejected any notion of resettling Palestinians in Libya, reiterating its commitment to Palestinian land and readiness to fight for it. Meanwhile, the Israeli government has refrained from commenting, according to NBC.
NBC added that Libya’s Government of National Unity, led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah, did not respond to requests for comment, nor did Khalifa Haftar. The report also noted that Libya is already struggling with long-standing internal conflicts, making it unlikely to absorb a million new residents without significant strain on its resources and infrastructure.
The network said that logistical and financial hurdles are expected to challenge any such resettlement operation. The Trump administration is reportedly exploring various air, land, and sea transport options, which would require substantial time and investment.
NBC said the plan aligns with Trump’s broader vision for post-war Gaza. He had previously declared that Gaza was no longer livable and that Palestinians should be permanently relocated to a safer place. His comments sparked backlash and concern within the US Congress.
The report further claimed that the Trump administration is also considering Syria as a potential resettlement destination after the fall of Bashar Al-Assad. It is allegedly moving toward re-establishing diplomatic ties with Syria, following plans to lift US sanctions later this year.
