Trump administration has been engaged in direct talks with Hamas over the release of American hostages held in Gaza and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war.
These secret negotiations, led by U.S. Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler, mark an unprecedented move. The U.S. designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997 and had never engaged directly with it before.
Sources revealed that meetings between Boehler and Hamas officials took place in Doha in recent weeks.
While the U.S. consulted with Israel regarding the possibility of engaging with Hamas, Israeli officials reportedly learned some details of the talks through other channels. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the discussions.
The primary objective of these talks has been the release of American hostages, which falls under Boehler’s mandate. However, discussions have also included a broader agreement involving the release of all remaining hostages and the establishment of a long-term ceasefire.
According to U.S. officials, White House envoy Steve Witkoff had planned to travel to Doha this week to meet with the Qatari Prime Minister regarding ceasefire negotiations. However, on Tuesday night, he canceled the trip after seeing no progress from Hamas’s side.
President Trump’s stance on the Israel-Palestine conflict has significantly differed from that of President Biden. Trump has repeatedly threatened severe consequences for Hamas and even proposed a U.S. “takeover” of Gaza.
Engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas, especially without full approval from Israel, is a move no previous U.S. administration has taken.
At present, 59 hostages are still being held by Hamas in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces have confirmed that 35 of them are dead. Israeli intelligence believes that 22 hostages are still alive, while the status of two remains unknown.
Among the remaining hostages are five American citizens, including 21-year-old Edan Alexander, who is believed to be alive.
The 42-day ceasefire, which was part of the initial Gaza deal, expired on Saturday after parties failed to reach an agreement for an extension. While fighting has not yet resumed, Israel has completely halted humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza, where nearly 1.9 million Palestinians—90% of the population—have been displaced, and famine looms.
