Biden Administration Mulls Negotiated Release of American Hostages in Gaza

In the midst of cease-fire efforts between Israel and Hamas, the Biden administration is reportedly exploring potential negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages held captive in the Gaza Strip. The move is seen as a departure from traditional protocol, where such discussions would typically involve Israeli intermediaries.

President Biden's administration is reportedly considering the possibility of engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas for the release of American hostages in Gaza. This potential departure from traditional diplomatic channels comes amid ongoing cease-fire talks between Israel and Hamas.

Sources close to the matter have revealed that such discussions would only commence if the current cease-fire negotiations between Israel and Hamas break down. In that scenario, U.S. representatives would conduct negotiations with Hamas through Qatari intermediaries, similar to the method employed by Israel in its own discussions.

The Biden administration believes that five American citizens were taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7th attack on Israel. Additionally, the U.S. is seeking the remains of three American citizens who were killed on that day. However, it remains unclear whether or not some or all of the hostages remain alive.

The State Department has declined to comment on the matter. The report emerged as Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Egypt to spearhead efforts aimed at intensifying pressure on Hamas and Israel to reach a cease-fire agreement in Gaza and prevent the conflict from escalating into Lebanon.

Blinken's itinerary includes meetings with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi in Cairo and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant in Israel. On May 31st, Biden outlined a three-phase cease-fire proposal from Israel, which included the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, along with the reconstruction of Gaza.

The Netanyahu government faces an uncertain future following Israeli minister Benny Gantz's resignation from the coalition. While Gantz's centrist party's departure does not pose an immediate threat to the government, it may significantly impact the political landscape, leaving Netanyahu reliant on hardliners amidst the ongoing war and potential escalation with Hezbollah in the north.

Cease-fire talks have gained momentum since Biden's speech, with CIA Director William Burns meeting with senior officials from mediators Qatar and Egypt to discuss the plan. Reuters contributed to this report.