Albanian prime minister denies US requested him to accept Palestinian refugees from Gaza

The Prime Minister of Albania, Edi Rama, denied reports by Israeli media outlets on Monday claiming his government has been in negotiations with the Trump administration about taking in as many as 100,000 Palestinians from Gaza.

“I haven’t heard something so fake in quite some time – and there’s been a lot of fake news lately! It is absolutely not true,” Rama tweeted on 𝕏.

“Full respect and solidarity for the people of Gaza, who have been dehumanized by the savage Hamas regime and have endured a hellish war following the medieval horrors of October 7,” Rama added.

“But let me be clear: Albania has not been asked by anyone, nor can we even consider to take on any such responsibility.”

“We are proud of our strong friendships with Israel, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and, of course, the Palestinian people, whose state Albania recognized a very long time ago,” the Albanian prime minister continued.

Israel and Albania signed a joint declaration of friendship in 2015 that cemented the cooperative relationship between the two countries.

“But Albania is not in the Middle East itself, and from the heart of Europe, we cannot do more than any other European country in such a matter.”

“Yet, we wish and pray that the Palestinian people are given the chance to live in their own state, as free people under democratic rule, and that Hamas will never again be able to harm Israel – or, first and foremost, the Palestinians themselves,” he adds.

Albania was a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for a two-year term (2022-2023), and Rama indicated in 2023 that “as a peaceful and peace-loving multi-religious country, Albania is deeply concerned about the ongoing conflict and prolonged suffering in Gaza.”

In the month following the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks, prior to the Peace Forum in Paris, Rama came out strongly in support of Israel, stating “I reiterate, Albania stands firm with Israel against Hamas. However, we are also deeply concerned by the destruction, civilian casualties and suffering in Gaza.” Rama suggested that the Arab League should get involved with the crisis and rebuilding efforts.

Israel’s Channel 12 news reported on Monday that the Israeli government does not believe U.S. President Trump’s suggestion that Jordan and Egypt should host Palestinian refugees is realistic, and that the U.S. is looking for other options like Albania.

Earlier this month, NBC News also reported that Washington is considering Indonesia as an alternative host country for Palestinians once rebuilding the Gaza Strip is underway.

Jordan and Egypt both have strongly said they are against the idea of receiving Gazan citizens, while some Israeli leaders have responded by calling for the Israeli government to encourage Palestinian emigration away from the Strip.