#Top Biden adviser to Middle East to travel to Israel, Qatar to discuss freeing hostages

President Biden’s top adviser on the Middle East is set to travel to Israel, Qatar, and several other countries this week in an effort to discuss ways to free hostages held by Hamas amid Israel’s war against the militant group. 

Sources confirmed to Axios that Brett McGurk is set to travel to the region, according to Israeli and U.S. officials.

The officials told the outlet that McGurk will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and other top Israeli security officials.

The officials said that one of the ideas being discussed is the possibility of securing the release of about 80 women and children hostages in return for the release of Palestinian women and children being held in Israeli prisons, Axios reported.

Israeli officials noted that the proposed deal could also include fuel entering the Gaza Strip. 

Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union (EU), is holding nearly 240 hostages.

The sources also said that McGurk is expected to travel to Saudi Arabia and Jordan.

The Hill has reached out to the White House for comment.