White House considering deal with Hamas to release American hostages

White House officials are reportedly considering striking a unilateral deal with Hamas to release five American captives in Gaza if Israel does not reach a hostage exchange deal with the group, NBC news is reporting, citing two current and two former US officials.

According to the officials, the deal would be facilitated by Qatari mediators and would exclude Israel.

According to the White House, five US captives are still in Gaza, as are the remains of three other American citizens killed on 7 October.