"We felt our hearts sink": The senior American official reveals the behind-the-scenes of the hostage deal
The US envoy to the Middle East, Brett McGurk, reveals in an extensive interview the behind-the-scenes of the negotiations with Hamas for the release of the hostages. McGurk describes deceptions by the organization, a consistent demand to remain in power in exchange for the hostages' release, and the negative impact of the public debate between the US and Israel on Sinwar's positions. He attributes the breakthrough to Trump's threats, and clarifies that Israel will no longer allow threats on its borders.
In an extensive interview, US envoy Brett McGurk reveals the behind-the-scenes of the negotiations with Hamas for the release of the hostages. McGurk paints a grim picture of the talks, pointing to a series of deceptions by the terrorist organization. According to him, Hamas's core demand remained consistent: the release of all Palestinian prisoners in exchange for the hostages, while maintaining the organization's rule and a return to the status quo of October 6. McGurk explains that the public debate between the US and Israel regarding the operation in Rafah played into the hands of Yahya Sinwar, encouraging him to harden his positions. He rejects criticism that cutting off military aid would have stopped the war, stating that Israel has an independent arms industry. McGurk attributes the breakthrough to Donald Trump's threats, and praises the cooperation between the administrations. In conclusion, he delivers a message to future US administrations: Israel will never again allow threats to gather on its borders, and any Israeli prime minister will act to protect his people.