17-05-2025
US officials discussed potential relocation of Palestinians to Libya
BY Libyan Express May 17, 2025 - 06:17 Updated: May 17, 2025 - 06:18 Trump administration explored Gaza-Libya resettlement plan
NBC News has reported that the Trump administration has held discussions with Libyan officials regarding a possible plan to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Libya, according to sources including a former US official.
The report states that discussions included the potential release of billions of dollars in frozen Libyan assets that have been held for over a decade. According to the sources cited, the proposal reportedly included offering financial incentives such as housing and salaries to encourage voluntary relocation.
The report indicates significant logistical and financial questions remain unanswered, including implementation timeline, specific locations within Libya for settlement, and practical challenges of relocating large numbers of people.
In February, President Trump made public statements envisioning Gaza as the 'Riviera of the Middle East' under 'American management,' which the report connects to these discussions.
The reported discussions appear to represent a shift from previous US positions that encouraged Arab nations to assist with Gaza reconstruction while opposing permanent relocation of Palestinians.
NBC News also reported that the administration had previously considered Libya as a destination for certain immigrants from the United States, though those plans encountered legal challenges.
Neither the White House nor Libyan officials have provided official confirmation of these discussions at the time of reporting. The views expressed in Op-Ed pieces are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of Libyan Express.
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