The United States has reportedly called on Israel to postpone its potential ground invasion of Gaza with the aim of facilitating hostage negotiations. According to U.S. and Israeli officials, Hamas may be open to releasing numerous dual-citizenship hostages.
A U.S. official, who is knowledgeable about the Biden administration’s stance, stated to the Associated Press that it remains uncertain how convincing the U.S. arguments for this delay will be to Israeli leaders. However, a senior Israeli military official, in talks involving the U.S. and Qatar, suggested that the terrorists might soon release approximately 50 dual nationals, as reported by The New York Times.
Additionally, The New York Times and CNN, citing undisclosed Biden administration sources, have noted that a delay in the ground invasion could also serve to enhance the distribution of humanitarian aid to Palestinians in Gaza and allow the U.S. to prepare for potential attacks on its personnel and interests in the region.