The families of American hostages held by Hamas in Gaza have urged the White House to negotiate directly with Hamas for their release, bypassing Israel and its demands, according to a report by NBC News. This plea comes as peace talks between Israel and Hamas remain stalled, largely due to Israel’s insistence on maintaining control of the Philadelphi Corridor, a strip of land along the Egypt-Gaza border.
The United States has been facilitating indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, for the end of the war in the Gaza Strip and the release of all hostages, including American nationals. However, Israel’s additional demands, including the continued occupation of the Philadelphi Corridor, have been met with resistance from both Hamas and Egypt, leading to a stalemate in negotiations.
The families’ request for direct US-Hamas negotiations arose after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan met with them on Sunday. While acknowledging the Biden administration’s exploration of “every option” for hostage release, officials maintained that a deal involving Israel remains the preferred approach.
In March, the Biden administration initiated contact with Hamas through Qatar to explore the possibility of a unilateral deal. However, these efforts proved unproductive, and the US has continued to push for a broader agreement. A US official reportedly stated that a unilateral US-Hamas deal is unrealistic, as the US lacks the leverage to secure Hamas’s demands.
The official further explained that Hamas seeks two things that only Israel can provide: a ceasefire and the release of nearly 1,000 Palestinian prisoners currently held in Israeli jails. The US cannot fulfill these demands.
However, the report mentions that one potential option under consideration is the release of five individuals convicted of terror financing in exchange for the hostages. These individuals were found guilty of funding Hamas, a designated terrorist organization. One of them, Mufid Abdulqader, is the brother of former Hamas chief Khaled Mashal.
Despite the stalemate in hostage-release negotiations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains steadfast in his demand to control the Philadelphi Corridor. He argues that this control is crucial to prevent Hamas’s resurgence and another attack like the one that occurred on October 7th.
The current situation presents a complex and challenging scenario. While the families of American hostages advocate for a direct deal with Hamas, the US continues to pursue a broader agreement involving Israel. The key sticking point remains Israel’s insistence on controlling the Philadelphi Corridor, a demand that has so far proven insurmountable in the negotiations. The fate of the hostages and the possibility of a lasting peace in Gaza remain uncertain as the diplomatic standoff continues.
