The Trump administration in the United States is reportedly working on a plan to permanently relocate up to one million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, according to an NBC News report on Friday, which cited five sources familiar with the discussions.
The report states that two insiders with direct knowledge and a former US official confirmed the plan is being seriously considered, with ongoing talks between US officials and Libya’s leadership.
As part of the proposal, the US would unfreeze billions of dollars in Libyan funds that have been frozen for over a decade, in exchange for Libya agreeing to resettle the Palestinians, NBC reported. The report also noted, “No final agreement has been reached, and Israel has been kept informed of the administration’s discussions.”
However, a spokesperson for the US government told NBC News that the reports were “untrue.” The spokesperson added, “The situation on the ground is untenable for such a plan. Such a plan was not discussed and makes no sense.”
Since the 2011 NATO-supported uprising that toppled and killed long-time ruler Moammar Gadhafi, Libya has descended into chaos, divided between rival governments in the east and west, each backed by various militias.
Israel Intensifies Strikes in Gaza and Yemen
Meanwhile, Israel conducted numerous airstrikes across Gaza on Friday. According to local health officials, 108 people, mostly women and children, were killed. Israeli authorities described these attacks as the start of an intensified effort to pressure Hamas into releasing hostages.
In addition, Israel targeted two ports in Yemen, claiming they were used by the Houthi militants to smuggle weapons. Local officials reported at least one death and nine injuries from the strikes.
These attacks in Gaza came after days of violence that resulted in over 130 deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. This escalation happened as US President Donald Trump completed a trip to the region, which included visits to three Gulf countries but not Israel.
Earlier this year, in January, President Trump expressed a desire for Jordan, Egypt, and other Arab nations to take in more Palestinian refugees from Gaza. He suggested relocating enough people to “just clean out” the war-ravaged region, effectively starting fresh.
“Something has to happen,” Trump said. “But it’s literally a demolition site right now. Almost everything’s demolished, and people are dying there.” He added, “So, I’d rather get involved with some of the Arab nations, and build housing in a different location, where they can maybe live in peace for a change.”
Hamas Willing to Negotiate Hostage Swap
In a televised address, Khalil Al-Hayya, Hamas’ Gaza chief and head of the group’s negotiating team, stated that Hamas is ready to immediately enter talks for a deal to exchange all hostages for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, with the aim of ending the conflict in Gaza.
However, Al-Hayya made clear that Hamas rejects any interim ceasefire agreements.
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