Amidst slim chances of a negotiation, Israel proposes exile for Sinwar to Biden
The suggestion by Gal Hirsh, a close associate of Netanyahu who serves as Israel's hostage and missing coordinator, proposes a permanent resolution to the conflict in Gaza. This involves the simultaneous release of all hostages imprisoned there in exchange for Palestinian detainees held by Israel, and the safe exit of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar from Gaza. According to Kan 11, an Israeli broadcasting network and CNN partner.
The reaction to this proposal has generally been that it's highly unlikely to be accepted by Hamas, who have remained silent on the matter.
It's uncertain if the proposal tackles the issue of Israeli troops in Gaza post-ceasefire and hostage deal - a significant issue in unresolved negotiations. Also, the idea of Sinwar leaving Gaza is viewed as highly implausible by American authorities.
A different Israeli source informed that the proposal is not being used as a basis for new Hamas negotiations by the Israeli negotiation team, which has been in a standstill for weeks now.
The Hostages Families Forum, known for its criticism of Netanyahu's hostage negotiation tactics, had a positive reaction to the proposal. They stated, "A one-time deal involving all 101 hostages is the dream of the majority of Israeli citizens and the hostages' families themselves. The Prime Minister must boldly, decisively, and swiftly present this proposal he crafted. We must bring an end to almost a year of neglect."
Progress halts
This proposal emerges at a time when the chances of a settlement are at an all-time low. The Israeli hostages' families have expressed concern over worsening tensions with Hezbollah in Lebanon, fearing that a widespread conflict there would further decrease the chances of a hostage deal.
Biden's security advisors have yet to plan presenting an updated proposal to the U.S. president in relation to the Israel-Hamas ceasefire negotiations, indicating that negotiations to conclude the conflict have experienced significant setbacks.
Netanyahu will not be meeting with Biden during his upcoming trip to New York for the United Nations General Assembly, according to a source familiar with the situation.
Hirsh had a meeting with Roger Carstens, the US special presidential envoy for hostage affairs, last week to discuss the release of hostages detained in Gaza.
The concept of facilitating Sinwar's exile has been explored during negotiations as part of a potential ceasefire agreement's latter stages, despite no indication that Sinwar would agree to such terms.
Gershon Baskin, a veteran negotiator with Hamas, told CNN, "Anyone who thinks Sinwar would leave Gaza is not tethered to reality. Gaza is Sinwar's ocean and he is a fish - a fish does not leave the water willingly."
However, if the agreement included the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, it would come "close to a deal that Hamas is prepared for," Baskin added.
Previously, when the idea of allowing top Hamas leaders like Sinwar to leave Gaza as part of a ceasefire agreement was suggested, American officials doubted Sinwar's agreement. They cited Israel's assassinations of Hamas leaders in foreign capitals and believed Sinwar would opt for martyrdom rather than departure from Gaza.
"I even believe that we will agree to build safe passage for the chief terrorist, the new Hitler, Sinwar - safe passage for him and whoever he wishes to join him out of Gaza," Hirsh stated to CNN earlier this month.
This proposal to resolve the conflict in Gaza, if implemented, could potentially have significant implications for the Middle East and the world at large, as it involves the release of hostages and the exit of prominent figures.
Despite the proposed resolution gaining some support from certain Israeli factions, its acceptance by Hamas and the broader international community remains uncertain, given the complexities and sensitivities surrounding the situation.
