Biden makes last ditch attempt at hostage deal

In the wake of the recent ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, talks over a Gaza deal have resumed quickly but quietly, with both sides of American politics working together to secure an outcome.

Not only would Biden like to finally reach a ceasefire in his final weeks in office, but Trump’s desire to start his second term with both the Lebanon and Gaza conflicts wrapped up and the hostages held by Hamas released, has breathed new life into negotiations that collapsed several months ago.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan headed to the Middle East this week to make what could be the Biden administration’s final push for a hostage deal between Israel and Hamas.

Israel's Defence Minister Israel Katz told his American counterpart Lloyd Austin in a call earlier Wednesday that Israel has identified a real possibility to secure a deal that would release all remaining 100 hostages, including seven who hold American citizenship.

The framework under discussion reflects earlier efforts spearheaded by the Biden administration, Qatar and Egypt, in which a first “humanitarian” phase would see the remaining female, elderly and wounded hostages released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.

While Biden is guiding the efforts once more, multiple sources have confirmed there has been close coordination with the incoming Trump administration. Key members of Trump’s national security team – and the president-elect himself – have also engaged with the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 

It follows Trump’s threat that there will be “hell to pay” if the hostages are not released by the time he enters office on January 20.