Biden needs to put Hamas’s American hostages before politics

128 people have been held captive by Hamas for over 200 days after being brutally removed from Israel. The hostages come from over 17 countries and include five Americans as well as nationals of Argentina, Austria, Brazil, Bulgaria, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, France, Germany, Hungary, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Spain, Thailand and the United Kingdom.

Last month, these countries issued a joint statement calling for the immediate release of the hostages. But Hamas continues to stall. And given the global geopolitical context, what are Yahya Sinwar’s motives for meeting their demands?

After spending the past week in Israel and seeing first-hand the devastation of October 7th and the lasting impacts of the ongoing hostage crisis, it is hard to fathom where U.S. foreign policy is headed on this issue.

As each day passes, it becomes less likely that these loved ones will be reunited with their families. Although the majority of Americans stand in solidarity with suffering families, the Biden administration’s actions so far suggest that securing the release of Hamas’ American victims is not a policy priority, and this only strengthens Shinwar’s position.

What can our leaders do to achieve the release of these hostages? The answer is quite simple. To support Israel and put pressure on Hamas.

First, President Biden should accept his responsibility to the American people who are being held hostage. They should be at the top of the president’s policy priorities, not buried in the ninth bullet point of a 10-point White House briefing on Middle East policy, as was the case on May 13th.

Second, Biden’s actions must align with his priorities. The hostages are Sinwar’s lever to survive Israel’s legitimate response to the massive terrorist massacre of civilians. U.S. actions and statements that reassure Sinwar that it can survive even without handing over hostages guarantee that Hamas will continue to take hostages. If we are going to help our president achieve his goals through unilateral pressure on Israel, why would Sinwar relinquish its influence?

Biden, whose primary responsibility is the American hostages, must unequivocally support Israel rather than criticize, thwart, or belittle Israel’s efforts to bring all the hostages home. Most recently, the United States suspended the shipment of more than 3,500 bombs to Israel and threatened sanctions against a unit of the Israel Defense Forces. Public opposition to Rafah’s campaign to dismantle Hamas infrastructure has given Mr Sinwar hope of holding out longer.

The Biden administration should articulate a clear perspective on why Israel is proceeding with its invasion of Rafah and the ongoing efforts Israel has made to minimize the humanitarian impact of the conflict. be. Indeed, the Israeli military, which has spent tremendous energy coordinating the removal of hundreds of aid trucks a day and restoring water and electricity throughout the Gaza Strip, has suffered one disappointment after another due to Shinwar’s dishonest negotiations. All I had to do was do it.

Hamas’ tolerance for dishonest behavior in negotiations is further fueled by wavering support for Israel and public condemnation by its largest ally, the United States. President Biden and his administration are putting electoral politics and an inappropriate interpretation of the party’s far left ahead of their responsibility to the American people. As a result, Shinwar feels encouraged. At the same time, we need to consider the role of social media apps like TikTok. Its algorithms disproportionately spread messages of support for Palestinians and Hamas, and spread anti-Semitic disinformation about Israel. The Chinese Communist Party’s propaganda arm continues to weaken social bonds while spreading false narratives.

Let us never forget that Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization and not a legitimate negotiating partner. A group that tortured and massacred women and children in the most brutal ways possible will never negotiate in good faith.

One viable path for Israel to free the hostages is to maximize pressure on Shinwar by entering Rafah and conducting an operation to annihilate Hamas. Efforts to tighten the noose on Mr. Sinwar and force him back to the negotiating table showed signs of success earlier this week.

Biden needs to look in the mirror and remember who he serves. Americans are taken hostage by a terrorist organization during an unprovoked invasion of an allied nation. His job is not easy. It takes courage, moral conviction and clarity, which President Barack Obama has publicly argued is a crucial reason for supporting Biden.

Mr. Biden must commit himself and his administration to getting American hostages home and to their families by supporting Israel, not weakening it. The alternative is to continue to play both sides of the issue for political purposes and allow American hostages to die in Hamas custody.

Brian Kavanaugh served as Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Resilience in both the Trump and Biden administrations. He is Senior Vice President America’s global strategy.