ALBAWABA- The United States has confirmed that it is directly engaging in talks with Hamas in Qatar regarding the hostages held in Gaza, marking a shift in Washington’s longstanding policy of avoiding direct contact with groups it designates as terrorist organizations.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt stated that Israel was consulted before the talks took place. According to Axios, discussions include efforts to secure the release of American hostages as well as negotiations for a broader deal to end the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged the US-Hamas talks, but did not elaborate on Israel’s position.
Meanwhile, Israel’s Channel 14, citing sources, reported that the Trump administration had also engaged in indirect talks with Hamas without altering its stance on the war.
Sources indicate that the US has urged Hamas to release American-Israeli hostages as a goodwill gesture, potentially paving the way for Washington to mediate the second phase of a ceasefire agreement.
The US reportedly informed Hamas that it is pressuring Israel to enter negotiations for the next phase of the deal.
