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The Trump administration is evaluating an ambitious and controversial plan to relocate up to 1 million Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to Libya, sources have revealed. This plan has reached a stage where discussions have been held with the leadership in Libya, supported by sources directly informed of the effort.

Central to the proposal is the potential unfreezing of billions of dollars of Libyan funds by the U.S. The funds have been frozen for over a decade. The administration believes that the resettling of Palestinians in Libya could be financially facilitated with this massive monetary release. While Israel has been kept in the loop regarding the discussions, no final agreement has been forged.

The State Department and National Security Council have not publicly commented on the matter. However, a spokesperson, after the news surfaced, dismissed the reports as untrue and described the current situation on the ground as unviable for such a plan.

Basem Naim, a senior official with Hamas, voiced strong opposition to the plan, emphasizing that Palestinians are deeply rooted in their homeland and have the exclusive right to determine their future. The Israeli government, meanwhile, has declined to comment on the matter.

Libya's current state of instability—characterized by internal conflict between rival governments led by Abdul Hamid Dbeibah in the west and Khalifa Haftar in the east—poses significant challenges to the proposed relocation plan. The State Department currently advises against travel to Libya due to the prevalent dangers, which include crime, terrorism, unexploded landmines, civil unrest, kidnapping, and armed conflict.

Administration officials have considered offering financial incentives to Palestinians, such as free housing and stipends, to encourage voluntary relocation. However, the logistics of moving such a massive number of people remain unclear and daunting. Options being discussed include air, land, and sea transportation, each presenting its own set of hurdles given Gaza's infrastructure limitations.

President Trump has described his broader vision for Gaza as transforming it into a thriving region post-conflict. According to Trump's plans, this redevelopment would necessitate the permanent relocation of Gaza's Palestinian population. The notion has sparked criticism from both America's Arab allies and U.S. lawmakers across the political spectrum.

The feasibility of resettling such a large population in Libya, a country already struggling with its own socio-political challenges and limited resources, remains highly uncertain. Moreover, the plan has drawn skepticism and objections from various quarters, highlighting its complex and contentious nature.