Hamas terrorists have reportedly offered an ultimatum to Israel, proposing the release of all remaining hostages in Gaza and the return of fallen Israeli soldiers in exchange for increased aid and safe passage for select Hamas leaders and their families.
The plan, led by American-Israeli entrepreneur Moti Kahana, has the potential to reshape the dynamics of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The two-stage plan, which is said to have the involvement of the White House, a seasoned American negotiator, France, and a Syrian adviser to Kahana’s company, involves delivering humanitarian aid, including medical supplies, baby essentials, and hygiene provisions to Gaza for civilian use.
Additionally, it offers an exit strategy for Hamas leaders in Gaza, excluding those directly implicated in the violence against Israelis.
In return, Hamas would be required to release all foreign and dual-nationality hostages currently in their custody. This includes the presumed bodies of two Israeli soldiers who have been held by the terrorist group since 2014, as well as two other Israelis who were taken captive in Gaza.
While the Israeli government has officially denied any knowledge of this proposed plan, dismissing it as “Hamas propaganda,” the potential impact of this endeavour cannot be underestimated.
Specific details regarding the plan are expected to be discussed with Hamas leaders in Qatar, according to Jewish News. However, no precise timeframe for these discussions has been revealed at this point.
Moti Kahana has asserted that there is an impressive £16 million worth of supplies already stockpiled in an American warehouse, ready to be shipped to Egypt when the plan gains momentum.
Furthermore, Kahana emphasised that the aspect of the plan allowing Hamas leaders to leave the Gaza Strip would not apply to individuals directly involved in acts of violence against Israelis.
He stated that both Israel and the United States have lists of eligible individuals who can exit Gaza, and strict control measures would be implemented to ensure that those responsible for the attack or hostage-taking are not granted passage.
The plan envisions Hamas leaders leaving Gaza through either Egypt or by boat along the shoreline. The plan has not been independently verified as of yet.
