Israel’s Unexpected Offer to Hamas: A High-Stakes Bargain

Map showing Gaza and surrounding region.

Israel’s new proposal to Hamas promises hope for peace, but can it succeed?

At a Glance

Israel proposes ending the Gaza conflict by offering safe passage for Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in exchange for the release of 101 hostages and Gaza’s demilitarization.
The proposal was confirmed by an Israeli official and presented to American officials for Arab intermediaries.
Hamas politburo member Ghazi Hamad has already dismissed the proposal, labeling it “ridiculous.”
The hostages’ families are urging the government to support this new plan publicly.
Prime Minister Netanyahu’s hard-right coalition might push back against the proposal.

Israel’s Proposal to Hamas: A New Approach

Israel has put forward a novel proposal to Hamas that could see an end to the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Under this plan, Israel offers protection for Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, if the militant group agrees to immediately release 101 hostages. The plan also calls for the demilitarization of Gaza and the establishment of a new governance structure. This move aims to break the deadlock in negotiations, shifting away from the phased release approach previously endorsed by the United States.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, often critical of Prime Minister Netanyahu, has shown support for this proposal, describing it as a significant step toward peace and security. In addition to the safe exit for Hamas leaders, the deal includes releasing Palestinian detainees and creating a safe passage for Gazans to leave the area. This comprehensive plan could potentially alleviate both domestic and international pressure on Israel, allowing it to focus on rising tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

🇮🇱🇺🇲 Israel has conveyed to the United States a new proposal to end the war in Gaza, Kan radio reports.

The initiative includes the release of all Hamas hostages in exchange for the safe departure of the movement's leader, Yahya Sinwar, and anyone who wants to leave with him.…

— dana (@dana916) September 19, 2024

Reactions and Challenges

While the proposal has garnered support from hostage families, it faces significant challenges. Hamas politburo member Ghazi Hamad promptly rejected the offer, calling it “ridiculous” and accusing Israel of negotiating in bad faith. “The proposal for Sinwar’s exit is ridiculous and indicates the negotiating bankruptcy of the occupation,” Hamad noted.

“It confirms the occupation’s denial of what happened throughout eight months of negotiations. Negotiations are stuck due to the intransigence of the Israeli position,” Hamad said.

This rejection calls into question the feasibility of the proposal and whether any agreement can be reached soon. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Netanyahu’s shift from a hardline stance, which advocated for the complete destruction of Hamas, to this more diplomatic solution will likely face resistance within his hard-right coalition.

POTUS updates on efforts to end crisis in Gaza. After intensive diplomacy, Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal, a road map to an enduring ceasefire and release of all hostages. POTUS lays out terms for 3 phases:

* Phase 1: To last for 6 weeks: full ceasefire, IDF…

— Matthew Levitt (@Levitt_Matt) May 31, 2024

Strategic Implications

The new proposal also holds significant strategic implications for Israel and the broader region. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has highlighted the importance of shifting military focus to the north due to Hezbollah’s near-daily attacks. Resolving the Gaza conflict would allow Israel to address these rising tensions without being stretched thin across two fronts. Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasized this urgency, urging leaders to make decisive moves.

The proposal, presented by Israel hostage envoy Gal Hirsch, marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict. Hirsch compared Sinwar to Hitler, underscoring the urgency of bringing the hostages home. Whether or not Hamas will accept remains uncertain, given Israel’s history of targeting operatives abroad. Netanyahu’s government must navigate complex internal and external dynamics to pursue this path to peace.