US considering unilateral hostage deal with Hamas

YnetNews.com reports: “Families of American hostages held by Hamas are pressuring the White House to consider a unilateral deal with the terrorist organization to secure the release of their loved ones. Five sources familiar with the matter told NBC on Thursday that U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration is weighing the option.

The discussions are taking place amid concerns from the families – and from U.S. officials – that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may not agree to a deal with Hamas which includes a cease-fire in Gaza. Four American nationals who the U.S. believes are still alive remain in Hamas captivity and the administration is also working to secure the return of the bodies of three others.

According to the U.S. news outlet, the motion wasn’t advanced the last time it was considered six months ago because some senior administration officials strongly opposed it, and Biden chose to continue pursuing a broader agreement with Israel that would pave the way to ending the fighting.

Two American sources familiar with the details said the Biden administration has prepared a list of prisoners held in the U.S. Hamas might be interested in as part of a deal, strengthening the possibility of a unilateral arrangement. One of the sources told NBC five prisoners are currently on the list…”

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