Families of American hostages held by Hamas are urging the Biden administration to consider a unilateral deal with the terrorist organization, bypassing Israeli involvement.
In discussions with National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, family members pressed for alternative options after Hamas killed six hostages, including an American, Hersh Goldberg-Polin. Administration officials reaffirmed that a broader deal involving Israel remains the priority, but all options are being considered.
While a unilateral deal is deemed unlikely due to Hamas’ demands for a cease-fire and the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, the Biden administration has prepared a list of U.S. prisoners whose release could interest Hamas. The administration had made preliminary outreach to Hamas through Qatar but without success.
President Biden continues to work on a cease-fire and hostage release deal, though some officials within the administration remain skeptical of a U.S.-only approach.
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