NBC reports that the Biden administration is discussing a request from the families of American hostages held by Hamas to consider a unilateral deal with the group to secure their release. According to five informed sources, this option is currently under consideration within the administration.
A U.S. official stated that reaching a unilateral agreement is unlikely, but the administration has prepared a list of prisoners held by the United States that might interest Hamas for their release. In a meeting held on Sunday with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, following the killing of six hostages by Hamas, including American Hersh Goldberg Polin, relatives of the American hostages asked the administration to evaluate options that do not involve Israel. Officials confirmed they would examine “all options,” but noted that a deal with Hamas that includes Israel remains the preferred approach.
These discussions come amid growing concerns among families and some administration officials that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not commit to a deal involving a ceasefire in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.
Four American hostages are still being held by Hamas, and the United States believes they are alive, while the administration seeks to recover the remains of three others believed to have died. NBC reported in June that the Biden administration explored the possibility of negotiating a unilateral deal with Hamas if ceasefire talks involving Israel collapsed. However, the idea did not advance due to opposition from some senior administration officials and Biden’s preference for a broader agreement involving Israel that would end the conflict.
Despite this, the Biden administration has compiled a list of prisoners in America whose cases might interest Hamas as part of a deal to free the kidnapped Americans. This list includes five individuals. Hamas was contacted about six months ago through Qatari officials to explore the possibility of a unilateral deal, but no significant progress was made.
The list includes leaders of the Holy Land Foundation who were convicted in 2008 of providing funds to Hamas. Despite this, a U.S. official stated that the idea of a unilateral deal is unrealistic given that there is not enough to offer in exchange for the hostages. “Hamas is demanding a ceasefire and the release of about 1,000 Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, which America cannot provide,” he added.
John Kirby, a White House advisor, affirmed that the Biden administration is fully committed to returning the hostages to their families and that efforts are ongoing to achieve a ceasefire and their release.
