Biden weighs unilateral hostage deal with Hamas amid growing controversy

President Biden's team has emphasized their dedication to leaving "no stone unturned" to bring the hostages back. This includes exploring all diplomatic, economic, and even military options. A senior administration official stated, "We are prepared to take all necessary steps to ensure the safe return of American citizens. Our commitment to their safety is unwavering".

This strategy, aimed at rescuing American and Israeli captives, has sparked a mix of reactions from political leaders and the international community. The proposal, still in its early stages, underscores the administration's commitment to bringing hostages home, even if it means engaging directly with a group the U.S. has long deemed a terrorist organization.

According to NBC News, the administration's consideration of a unilateral deal is driven by the urgent need to free the hostages, many of whom have been in captivity for months. The proposed negotiation would bypass traditional intermediaries, raising eyebrows among U.S. allies and lawmakers. One official, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the talks are "part of a broader strategy to pressure Hamas while exploring all possible avenues for the safe return of our citizens."

"Hamas could have an incentive to cut a unilateral deal with the U.S. because doing so would likely further strain relations between the U.S. and Israel and put additional domestic political pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu," NBC reports.

However, supporters believe that the immediate priority should be the safe return of the hostages, even if it requires unconventional methods.

The proposal has also prompted discussions within the Israeli government, which has traditionally maintained a hardline stance against negotiating with Hamas. Israeli officials have expressed cautious optimism, recognizing the potential benefits of a deal but also wary of the precedent it might set. "We are constantly communicating with our American counterparts," an Israeli diplomat noted. "Any deal must ensure the safety and security of all hostages without compromising our national security interests."

"If anyone believes that yesterday’s operation absolves the government of the need to strike a deal, they are living a fantasy," Israeli columnist Nahum Barnea wrote in the mass-selling Yediot Aharonot newspaper. "There are people out there who need to be saved, and the sooner the better." - Associated Press reports.

According to AP, last weekend's rescue operation "was Israel’s most successful since the start of the war, bringing home four of the roughly 250 captives seized by Hamas in its Oct. 7 cross-border attack".

However, NBC News states, "Gaza’s Ministry of Health said 210 people were killed and another 400 were injured in the assault and rescue operation. It’s unclear how many were civilians".

The idea of a unilateral deal with Hamas represents a significant shift in U.S. policy and could have far-reaching implications. If successful, it might open new avenues for addressing other longstanding conflicts in the region. However, it also risks emboldening militant groups by demonstrating that hostage-taking can yield direct negotiations with significant powers - writes AP.

Despite these concerns, the administration remains focused on the immediate goal of rescuing the hostages. As talks continue, there is a growing sense of urgency and determination within the White House. "Our priority is clear," said a spokesperson. "We will continue to explore every possible option to bring our people home."

Source: NBC News, Associated Press,