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The administration of U.S. President Donald Trump and the Israeli government have shown interest in Syria as a potential destination for relocating Palestinians from Gaza, CBS News reports, citing sources.
Earlier, media outlets reported that American and Israeli officials had reached out to the governments of Sudan and Somalia regarding this matter.
Israeli officials, particularly from the far-right faction, have already urged Palestinians to leave Gaza. According to one source, Trump’s comments on Palestinian displacement encouraged Israel to explore relocation options in other countries.
Three sources familiar with Trump’s idea of relocating Gaza residents told CBS News that Syria had emerged as a key area of interest.
One source with knowledge of Trump’s Middle East policy said the administration had attempted to establish contact with Syria’s interim government through a third-party intermediary.
Another regional source indicated that outreach efforts had been made to the Syrian government, though it remains unclear whether any response was received.
A senior Syrian official told CBS News they were unaware of any such communications from the U.S. or Israel regarding Palestinian resettlement.
Trump first introduced the idea of mass relocation during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last month. He also suggested that U.S. troops could potentially take control of Gaza.
Arab nations have strongly opposed the plan, instead proposing a reconstruction initiative that would allow Palestinians to remain in Gaza.
Human rights groups have warned that forcing or pressuring Palestinians to leave could constitute a war crime.
However, the White House has stated that Trump “stands by his vision.”
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