Families of kidnapped American citizens are demanding that the White House open unilateral negotiations on a deal with Hamas that would allow the release of their loved ones who are being held captive.
According to a report today (Thursday) on the American network NBC, this request comes in the wake of the murder of the six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg Polin.
According to five people involved in the talks and quoted in the report, such a plan was discussed in the Biden administration.
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The United States has reportedly compiled a list of five prisoners that they could give to Hamas as part of such a deal, but sources say that this probably would not satisfy the terrorist organization.
According to the report, during a meeting held on Sunday between White House National Security Advisor Sullivan and representatives of the families of the American hostages, a call was made to examine alternatives that do not include Israel.
Administration officials told participants that they would consider every alternative, but the best approach would be an agreement between Israel and Hamas.
According to other sources, the Biden administration initially reached out to Hamas through Qatar about six months ago, with the aim of exploring the possibility of a unilateral agreement. This was against the backdrop of stalled negotiations on a broader agreement that would also include Israel. However, this initial initiative did not progress.
The American citizens kidnapped are Idan Alexander, Sagi Dekel Chen, Omar Natura and Keith Segal. American officials also hope to locate the remains of three other American citizens who were allegedly murdered on October 7 by Hamas and whose bodies were taken to Gaza.
