"US Considers Direct Negotiations with Hamas Excluding Israel to Secure Release of Its Hostages"

Discussion on Option Plan in Case of Ceasefire Negotiation Breakdown

The United States is reportedly considering a plan to negotiate directly with the Palestinian armed group Hamas for the release of American hostages, excluding Israel from the talks.

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

On the 10th (local time), NBC News cited current and former officials reporting that as negotiations between Israel and Hamas have stalled despite the U.S. proposing a phased ceasefire plan, the U.S. government is reviewing such an option.

Earlier, President Biden announced a phased ceasefire plan at the end of last month, which included a six-week truce, withdrawal of Israeli forces from densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, and partial hostage exchanges. However, as ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas showed no progress, it was reported that the U.S. is realistically considering direct negotiations with Hamas. Hamas is currently believed to be holding five American hostages.

If the U.S. proceeds with direct negotiations with Hamas excluding Israel, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to face significant domestic political pressure. It is reported that Prime Minister Netanyahu has not accepted the ceasefire plan proposed by the U.S.

On the same day, U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited Israel and other Middle Eastern countries to push for the ceasefire plan, is also expected to discuss this issue with Prime Minister Netanyahu.

However, Secretary Blinken stated that Israel has accepted the ceasefire plan, but Hamas has not. At a press conference held in Cairo, Egypt, he said that President Biden’s ceasefire plan is "very similar to what Hamas itself recently proposed," adding, "Regional and international countries and Israel have accepted it, and the only party that has not accepted it is Hamas."