In a significant diplomatic move, Israel has proposed offering safe passage to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in exchange for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. This development, announced on September 11, 2024, by Israeli hostage negotiator Gal Hirsch, marks an unprecedented effort to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The proposal comes as Israel faces increasing domestic and international pressure to secure the safe return of its citizens taken hostage during the war.
Hirsch, who is leading the negotiations on behalf of the Israeli government, stated that Israel is ready to provide safe passage not only for Sinwar but also for his family and anyone else who might join him. The stipulation is clear: Hamas must release all hostages, believed to number around 100, for Israel to consider halting its military operations in Gaza. The proposal was reportedly made just 48 hours prior to the announcement, although it remains unclear whether Hamas has responded or expressed any willingness to accept the terms.
This photo was found in a tunnel by the @IDF, where the terrorist Sinwar brothers were hiding like rats.
We must remember every day that our fight against terrorism, against Hamas, is the fight of the free world.@yoavgallant pic.twitter.com/LkebtX3cuo
— Embassy of Israel to the USA (@IsraelinUSA) September 12, 2024
Sinwar, who is widely regarded as the mastermind behind the deadly October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel, is a central figure in Hamas' leadership. He has long been on Israel's radar, and while the offer of safe passage might seem like an unusual concession, it reflects the urgency of securing the hostages' release. According to Hirsch, achieving a deal is becoming increasingly difficult, and the safe passage offer represents a last-ditch effort to break the stalemate. If Hamas agrees to the proposal, Sinwar and his associates would be allowed to leave Gaza, although they would likely remain targets for Israeli intelligence, which has a history of tracking and assassinating Hamas operatives abroad.
The proposal also underscores the complex nature of Israel’s broader objectives. While the immediate goal is to recover the hostages, Israel has made it clear that it seeks long-term changes in Gaza, including the demilitarization of Hamas and the establishment of a new governance system. Hirsch emphasized that the goal is not just the release of hostages but also the "de-radicalization" of Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas’ military capabilities. However, skepticism remains over whether Hamas would willingly relinquish control of Gaza or accept a deal that would likely result in Sinwar living in exile.
During the raid in Rafah last week in which 6 hostages’ bodies were found and retrieved, documents were discovered on a computer used by Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar and revealed that Sinwar had planned to flee Gaza through the tunnels underneath the Philadelphi Corridor
1/3 pic.twitter.com/rWZNYFuZ5P
— Israel Daily News Podcast (@IsraelPodcast) September 9, 2024
The potential release of the hostages is a highly sensitive issue in Israel, where public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has been mounting. Families of the hostages have expressed growing frustration with the government’s handling of the situation, accusing Netanyahu of prioritizing military operations over the safety of the captives. Large-scale protests have erupted in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, with an estimated 500,000 people taking to the streets to demand a deal that prioritizes the hostages' safe return. This intense public pressure may have contributed to Israel’s willingness to offer such significant concessions to Hamas.
Despite the offer, Hirsch acknowledged that alternative strategies are being prepared in case negotiations with Hamas fail. "Plan B, C, and D are on the table," he remarked, emphasizing that time is of the essence for the remaining hostages. The urgency is amplified by the tragic deaths of several hostages, who were killed shortly before Israeli forces could reach them in underground tunnels. This loss has only fueled the anger of the victims’ families, who fear that ongoing military actions could jeopardize the lives of those still held captive.
The broader geopolitical implications of this offer are also significant. Hamas has historically rejected ceasefire deals that involve its disarmament or the loss of control over Gaza. Furthermore, Israel's history of targeting Hamas leaders even after their exile complicates the situation. In July 2024, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran, an operation widely attributed to Israeli intelligence. This raises doubts about whether Sinwar would trust Israel's offer of safe passage, knowing that he could remain a target even outside Gaza.
In conclusion, Israel’s offer to grant Yahya Sinwar safe passage in exchange for the hostages represents a bold and controversial move aimed at ending the war in Gaza. However, the success of this proposal remains uncertain, as both sides weigh the risks and rewards of such an agreement. The coming days will likely determine whether this offer can pave the way for a ceasefire or if the conflict will continue to escalate.
