U.S. in direct talks with Hamas to free hostages, secure truce
U.S. officials have engaged in direct talks with Hamas aimed at securing the release of American hostages and reaching an agreement to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip, reported the portal "Axios," citing two sources.
The talks are being conducted by Adam Boehler, President Donald Trump's envoy for American hostages held in the Gaza Strip. Boehler met with Hamas representatives in Doha, the capital of Qatar.
Axios stressed that this situation is without precedent, as the United States has never previously conducted direct negotiations with Hamas, which Washington has officially designated as a terrorist organization since 1997.
The U.S. consulted with Israel on the possibility of such talks, but details of the negotiations reached Jerusalem through other channels. Boehler discussed not only the release of American citizens but also the release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of a long-term truce.
Hostage situation and truce
The bodies of four American citizens, who were kidnapped and killed in captivity, remain in the Gaza Strip. There is also one American held prisoner who is most likely alive. In total, there are 59 hostages held in the Gaza Strip, 22 of whom are believed to be alive.
The first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas expired on Saturday. Although fighting has not resumed, the parties have not reached an agreement on extending the truce. Israel proposed extending the first phase in exchange for the release of more hostages, which Hamas rejected, blocking transports to the Gaza Strip.
The role of the U.S. in negotiations
The U.S., along with Egypt and Qatar, mediated the truce negotiations. Direct U.S. talks with Hamas, excluding Israel, demonstrate the Trump administration's new approach to resolving the conflict, differing from the policy of his predecessor, Joe Biden. "Trump, even during the 2024 election campaign, promised a quick end to the conflict in the Gaza Strip," recalls "Axios."
The new president presented a vision for Gaza's post-conflict future, which includes the resettlement of Palestinians. He also declared that he would respect any decision made by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including a return to conflict. Trump's Middle East advisor, Steve Witkoff, is working towards extending the first phase of the agreement and implementing the second part.
