Families of U.S. hostages held by Hamas have urged the Biden administration to explore bypassing Israel in negotiations for their release, according to U.S. media reports. NBC News cited multiple unnamed sources confirming that discussions within the administration are ongoing, with officials exploring “every option” for securing the hostages’ freedom.
This renewed push follows the tragic discovery of Hersh Goldberg-Polin’s body, an Israeli-American hostage, in Gaza last week. While the Biden administration reportedly views a deal involving both Hamas and Israel as the most viable option, growing frustrations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s resistance to a cease-fire have prompted the families to advocate for a unilateral U.S. approach.
Netanyahu has been criticized both domestically and internationally for prolonging the conflict, with many speculating that his political survival is tied to continuing the war. Despite this, the U.S. remains Israel’s strongest ally, creating uncertainties about how Washington might pursue negotiations with Hamas without weakening its support for Tel Aviv.
Efforts for a cease-fire and prisoner exchange have so far been unsuccessful. Mediation led by the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt has been stalled due to Netanyahu’s refusal to meet Hamas’ conditions, including a halt to military operations in Gaza. Since the war’s onset following the October 7 Hamas attack, over 40,800 Palestinians have died, according to local authorities, with accusations of genocide against Israel being brought before the International Court of Justice.
The situation remains dire, with Gaza suffering from severe shortages of essential supplies amid an ongoing blockade, and the international community calling for urgent humanitarian intervention.–News Desk