The Biden administration faces a growing divide over whether to continue pursuing a ceasefire with Hamas after six hostages were executed, with the tragic event intensifying political conflict in Israel and spurring American families of hostages to push for separate negotiations.

As tensions between Israel and Hamas escalate, the White House is reportedly increasingly divided on the future of ceasefire negotiations, as the Washington Examiner reports.

President Joe Biden remains committed to moving forward with the current deal, but others in his administration are concerned that the situation has deteriorated to the point where a ceasefire would be ineffective.

Hamas executed the six hostages just before the Israel Defense Forces could reach them. This incident has sparked political unrest in Israel, with many pointing fingers at the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for failing to secure a ceasefire sooner.

The deaths, along with nearly a year of war casualties, have hardened the positions of both Israel and Hamas, making a peaceful resolution increasingly difficult to achieve.

White House Divided Over Ceasefire Prospects

The executions have deepened divisions within the White House on how to proceed with hostage negotiations and ceasefire discussions. Some officials believe that continuing with the current deal is futile, while others are determined to explore all avenues. A senior U.S. official remarked on the situation, saying, “It’s a rough period. People at the White House are sad, upset and frustrated. We are still working but we are not about to present anything imminently. We are in a tough spot.”

The Biden administration debated a unilateral deal with Hamas back in June, considering outreach through Qatari officials, but that effort did not advance. Now, the tragic death of the hostages has reignited calls for alternative solutions, with some advocating for direct talks with Hamas.

Hostage Families Push for Separate Negotiations

The families of American hostages are among those calling for a separate deal with Hamas. They are pressing the U.S. government to prioritize their loved ones and seek a resolution independent of the broader Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. While administration officials have expressed a preference for negotiating through Israel, they are reportedly “pursuing every option” in their efforts to secure the release of hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas has introduced new conditions for releasing Palestinian prisoners, demanding the release of 100 individuals convicted of murdering Israelis. This new clause has further complicated efforts to reach a ceasefire and hostage deal.

Escalating Political Unrest in Israel

In Israel, political turmoil is growing in the wake of the hostage executions. Many Israelis have taken to the streets, protesting the Netanyahu government’s handling of the situation and demanding an immediate ceasefire and hostage negotiations. Tens of thousands of people protested last week, urging the government to prioritize the release of hostages over continued military action.

The unrest has been further amplified by the Histadrut Labor Federation, which announced a nationwide strike on Monday. Although the strike was quickly called off after government intervention, the growing discontent within the country remains evident.

Biden’s Push for Continued Negotiations

Despite the internal disagreements, President Biden is pushing to continue with the existing ceasefire negotiations. His administration has expressed a strong preference for brokering a deal through Israel, rather than making separate arrangements with Hamas. However, the ongoing political turmoil in Israel and the hardened positions of both sides are making it difficult to achieve any meaningful progress.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has insisted on maintaining the occupation of the corridor connecting Gaza and Egypt, a key point of contention in the ceasefire discussions. The lack of progress on this issue has left many wondering if a deal will ever be reached.

Growing Pressure on U.S. Leadership

With pressure mounting from both the families of hostages and the international community, the Biden administration finds itself in a difficult position. While some within the administration continue to advocate for pursuing all possible options, others are skeptical of the chances for success, given the deteriorating conditions on the ground.

American officials remain committed to working with Israel on a solution, but the failure to secure a ceasefire, along with the recent hostage executions, has left the administration struggling to present a clear path forward.

Conclusion

As tensions rise, the Biden administration is torn between pursuing a ceasefire deal with Hamas or exploring alternative solutions to secure the release of hostages.

The execution of six hostages has only deepened political divisions both within the White House and in Israel, leaving the path to peace increasingly uncertain.

The situation remains fluid, with the White House working to navigate a politically and diplomatically challenging landscape.