Reports suggest the Trump administration considered moving Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, a claim denied by the State Department. Libya's instability adds com
Reports have emerged suggesting that the Trump administration was developing a strategy to relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from Gaza to Libya.
According to NBC News, senior officials engaged in discussions with Libyan leadership regarding this initiative. The proposal reportedly included the potential release of billions of dollars in frozen US-held Libyan funds as compensation. The deliberations were reportedly ongoing, with Israel being informed.
However, a State Department spokesperson refuted these claims, stating, "These reports are untrue" and describing the situation as unsuitable for such arrangements. "The situation on the ground is untenable for such a plan. Such a plan was not discussed and makes no sense,” the spokesperson said.
Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, stated that they were unaware of any discussions about moving Palestinians to Libya. He emphasized the Palestinians' deep connection to their homeland and their commitment to defending it.
Libya has been grappling with instability and conflict since the civil war and the ousting of Moammar Gadhafi. The country faces challenges in caring for its current population, with two rival governments vying for control. The U.S. State Department advises against travel to Libya due to security concerns.
Former President Trump has referred to Gaza as a "nasty place" that should become a "freedom zone." He also mentioned wanting to help the Palestinian people and finding a resolution to the situation, stating it would be handled, "nicely or violently."