Biden Administration Weighs Options for Hostage Negotiations with Hamas Amidst Gaza Conflict

US President Joe Biden is considering a request from the families of American detainees in Gaza to negotiate with Hamas without Israel's involvement. However, officials stress that a deal involving Israel is preferable. Initial contacts with Hamas, mediated by Qatar, have not yielded results, and the idea of a unilateral agreement is deemed unrealistic due to insufficient leverage. Washington is reportedly working on a final proposal to cease hostilities in Gaza, consulting with Doha and Cairo, with a focus on achieving a ceasefire despite challenges.