Israel’s Mossad director, David Barnea, visited Washington this week to advance a humanitarian relocation effort for Palestinians in Gaza, according to a report by Axios.

In meetings with US officials, Barnea requested that the White House support Israel’s outreach to several countries, specifically Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Libya, which may be open to receiving displaced Gazans.

Barnea met with White House envoy Steve Witkoff and suggested that US support, including incentives, could help persuade these nations to take part in what Israel stresses is a voluntary and humanitarian initiative. Witkoff listened but did not make a firm commitment.

The relocation effort follows months of war triggered by Hamas’s October 7 terrorist massacre, in which over 1,200 Israelis were killed and more than 250 people abducted into Gaza.

Since then, nearly all of Gaza’s population has been displaced, and much of the area has been severely damaged following operations to destroy Hamas terrorist infrastructure.

Israeli officials say their goal is to provide long-term solutions for civilians caught in the crossfire, particularly by relocating them to safer environments.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has tasked Mossad with identifying countries willing to assist. “We are working very closely with the United States,” Netanyahu said during a recent visit to the White House, adding, “we are getting close to finding several countries.”

The prime minister praised President Donald Trump’s support and vision, noting, “It’s called free choice. You know, if people want to stay, they can stay, but if they want to leave, they should be able to leave. It shouldn’t be a prison.”

Critics have questioned the feasibility of calling such relocation “voluntary” under current wartime conditions, and some Arab states have voiced concern. However, Israeli officials emphasize that any relocation would be peaceful, with full consent, and include the right of return for those who choose to leave.

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