In an op-ed for The Washington Post, former Biden administration official, Brett McGurk, outlined the challenges in negotiating with Hamas.

Axar.az, citing JP, reports that he emphasized that while Hamas had initially shown resistance to a ceasefire and hostage release, the Biden administration, in cooperation with the Trump administration, pushed for a deal.

McGurk highlighted Hamas’s reluctance to engage on critical issues like hostages and civilian welfare, focusing instead on military positions. He also praised Trump's tough stance on Hamas, asserting that calling their bluff was necessary to move towards peace, ultimately involving a future without Hamas governing Gaza.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu agreed with McGurk’s view, acknowledging Hamas as the main obstacle to the deal.