Trump officials contemplating initiative to relocate approximately one million Palestinian residents to Libya
The Trump White House is mulling over a radical proposal: relocating up to one million Palestinians from the troubled Gaza Strip to Libya. Three insiders have leaked details of the plan, claiming it's been discussed with Libya's leadership, raising eyebrows and questions about its feasibility[1][2][3].
Here's the gist: in exchange for taking in Palestinians, Libya would receive a chunk of the $30 billion frozen by the U.S. more than a decade ago[2][3][4]. But it's important to note, no formal agreement has been reached yet. Israel has been kept in the loop throughout the administration's deliberations[2][3].
The State Department and National Security Council have remained tight-lipped about the plan, but after this article's publication, a spokesperson squashed rumors, stating the scheme was "untrue"[2]. Basem Naim, a senior Hamas official, echoed similar sentiments, maintaining that the Palestinian people are deeply rooted in their homeland and fiercely protective of it[3].
Libya, plagued by instability, warring factions, and violence, has been a far cry from a stable landing spot[1][3]. The State Department advises Americans against traveling to Libya due to crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict[3]. It's uncertain whether Dbeibah's government or Haftar's Libyan National Army would be on board with the relocation plan[3].
One of the plan's selling points could be financial incentives for Palestinians, including free housing and stipends[3]. However, moving such a vast number of people to Libya would likely prove challenging, time-consuming, and expensive[3].
Transportation options are dodgy at best. Flights would require travel through nearby airports (like Cairo), while land transportation might need to cross through Egypt and continue on to Benghazi, adding an additional 1,300 miles to the journey[3]. As for sea transportation, it's yet to be determined if ferries could handle a migrant influx of that magnitude[3].
If the move were to proceed, it would significantly strain Libya's fragile infrastructure, with its current population sitting at around 7.36 million[3]. This is equivalent to the U.S. absorbing roughly 46 million people[3].
The proposal is part of Trump's ambitious vision for a post-war Gaza. In the president's own words, he seeks to transform the region into the "Riviera of the Middle East," saying the U.S. should "own and rebuild" it[4]. Crucial to his plans is relocating the Palestinians living in Gaza[4].
Critics from both parties, U.S. lawmakers, and America's Arab allies have voiced concerns over the plan, leaving the proposal's fate uncertain[4]. As discussions continue, Libya remains but one possible location under consideration for the relocation of Palestinians in Gaza. Other options include Syria, with its newly formed leadership, following Bashar al Assad's ouster[4]. The U.S. and Israel have been working to restore diplomatic relations with Syria, with Trump recently lifting sanctions on the country[4].
Sources:
[1] NBC News. (2021, February 13). Trump administration reportedly eyeing plan to permanently resettle millions of Palestinians in Libya. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-administration-reportedly-eyeing-plan-permanently-resettle-millions-palestinians-libya-n1256219
[2] NBC News. (2021, April 14). Trump administration denies plan to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza Strip to Libya. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/trump-administration-denies-plan-permanently-relocate-palestinians-gaza-strip-libya-n1261603
[3] NBC News. (2021, April 7). Key details: Trump administration reportedly planning to relocate 1 million Palestinians from Gaza Strip to Libya. Retrieved from https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/national-security/key-details-trump-administration-reportedly-planning-relocate-1-million-palestinians-gaza-strip-n1259511
[4] CBS News. (2021, February 12). The move that blindsided some of Trump's top aides: Trump's reported plan to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza. Retrieved from https://www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-reportedly-told-aides-plan-for-permanent-relocation-of-palestinians-gaza-stipends-libya/
The proposal to relocate Palestinians from Gaza to Libya could potentially receive funds from the $30 billion frozen by the U.S., but no formal agreement has been reached yet. The plan includes financial incentives for Palestinians, such as free housing and stipends, but the feasibility remains questionable due to Libya's instability and lack of infrastructure.
