 "In a first, US holds 'secret talks' with Hamas on Gaza hostages: Report")
The Trump administration has been holding secret negotiations with Hamas on the potential release of US hostages being held in Gaza and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war.
According to an Axios report, citing two sources familiar with the discussions, US special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler has been holding direct talks with Hamas in recent weeks in Doha, focusing on the release of US hostages.
The talks are unprecedented, given that the US had never before engaged directly with Hamas, which it designated a terrorist organisation in 1997.
While the Trump administration discussed with Israel the possibility of engaging with Hamas, Israel became aware of certain details of the talks through alternative channels, added the report, citing one of the sources.
According to Axios, while the talks mainly focus on securing the release of American hostages, a broader agreement involving the release of all remaining hostages and establishing a long-term truce is also on the table.
However, no deal has yet been finalised, added the report.
Meanwhile, White House envoy Steve Witkoff had planned to travel to Doha this week to meet with Qatar’s prime minister regarding ceasefire negotiations. However, he cancelled the trip on Tuesday night after determining that no progress had been made by Hamas, reported Axios.
The Trump administration’s approach to the conflict marks a significant departure from former president Joe Biden’s strategies, particularly through direct negotiations with Hamas— a step not previously taken by past administrations.
Impact Shorts
More ShortsTrump’s strategy has included strong rhetoric against Hamas and proposals for a US takeover of Gaza.
Currently, 59 hostages remain in Hamas’s custody, with Israeli Defence Forces confirming that 35 have been killed.
Israeli intelligence estimates that 22 hostages are alive, while the status of two others is uncertain. Among the hostages are five Americans, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who is believed to be alive.
The initial 42-day ceasefire, part of the first phase of the Gaza deal, expired on Saturday without an agreement to extend it. Although fighting has not resumed, Israel has halted all humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, where approximately 1.9 million Palestinians — 90% of the population — have been displaced by the ongoing conflict, raising concerns about an impending famine.
Meanwhile, the White House confirmed that the US envoy spoke directly with Hamas to secure American hostages.
“Israel was consulted on this matter, and look, dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something that the President” believes is right," AFP quoted White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt as saying on Wednesday.
With inputs from agencies
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