By Blake Wolf, OAN Staff
Wednesday, September 11, 2024 5:53 PM
Gal Hirsch, a senior Israeli government official tasked with freeing the Gaza hostages, said the IDF would provide Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar with a safe escape route out of the area if he instructs the terrorist group to give up control of the Gaza Strip and release the hostages.
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During his visit to Washington, Hirsch said he was “ready to provide safe passage for Mr. Shinwal, his family, and anyone who wishes to join him.”
“We want the hostages back,” Hirsch stressed. “We want demilitarization, of course the removal of the extremists, and a new regime in charge of governing Gaza.”
“At the same time, I have to work on plans B, C and D, because we have to bring the hostages home,” Hirsch added. “The clock is ticking. The hostages don't have time.”
Hirsch also said the proposal was presented days before the Washington visit, but it was unclear whether Shinwal had expressed any interest.
The new proposal emerged after months of stalled negotiating efforts brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar to reach a ceasefire agreement and release the hostages.
“The stark urgency of now is real for all who are suffering as a result of this conflict. We feel that urgency and we are determined,” US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said. “At the end of the day, people have to make decisions. Leaders have to make decisions. We cannot make them for us.”
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, referring to the possibility of Sinwal's defection, said: “But I think the most important thing is for them to surrender. If they lay down their arms, the war will end.”
About 100 hostages were released during a ceasefire in November, but about 100 more are still being held. It is unclear how many of the remaining hostages are still alive.
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