Relatives of American hostages held by the Hamas terror group are urging the White House to seriously consider a unilateral agreement with the organization to secure the release of their loved ones, according to NBC. Sources familiar with the matter say that the Biden administration is currently examining the option.
In a meeting held Sunday with National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan – following the murder of six hostages, including American citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin – family members of the remaining American captives appealed to the administration to explore options that do not involve Israel. Administration officials told the families they would consider "all options," but sources indicate that an agreement with Hamas that includes Israel is still viewed as the best approach.
Discussions about a unilateral deal are taking place as family members and some administration officials increasingly believe that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will not commit to a ceasefire agreement with Hamas in Gaza in exchange for the hostages' release.
Currently, four American hostages are still being held by Hamas, and US officials believe they are alive. Additionally, the administration is working to retrieve the remains of three others presumed dead.
President Joe Biden previously expressed outrage over the murder of the hostages, vowing that Hamas would "pay for their crimes."
