US considering unilateral talks on hostage deal with Hamas, NBC reports

U.S. officials are considering a direct deal with Palestinian Hamas militants to free five American hostages held in Gaza if ceasefire talks with Israel fail. It's unclear what the U.S. might offer Hamas in return. The hostages were taken during a deadly Hamas incursion into Israel, prompting a retaliatory Israeli response. Secretary of State Antony Blinken believes the best way to secure their release is through the current ceasefire proposal. Any talks would be facilitated by Qatar and exclude Israel, potentially straining U.S.-Israel relations.