US Holds Secret Talks With Hamas on Gaza Hostages, Axios Reports

The Trump administration has engaged in direct discussions with Hamas regarding the release of American hostages in Gaza and the potential for a broader resolution to the ongoing conflict, according to two individuals with firsthand knowledge of the negotiations who spoke to Axios.

These discussions, led by Adam Boehler, the U.S. presidential envoy for hostage affairs, mark an unprecedented move. Until now, the United States had never communicated directly with Hamas, which has been classified as a terrorist group by the U.S. government since 1997.

The conversations between Boehler and representatives of Hamas took place recently in Doha.

While the Trump administration did consult Israel about the possibility of engaging with Hamas, some details of the discussions reached Israeli officials through other sources, one person familiar with the matter revealed.

The individuals who provided this information requested anonymity, as they were not authorized to speak about the sensitive negotiations.

One of the primary topics of the talks has been the release of American citizens held hostage in Gaza, a responsibility that falls under Boehler’s role as hostage envoy.

However, the discussions have expanded beyond that, touching on a broader agreement to secure the release of all remaining captives and work toward a lasting ceasefire, according to the sources. No agreement has been finalized.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff had intended to travel to Doha this week for discussions with Qatar’s prime minister about the ceasefire negotiations. However, according to a U.S. official, he canceled his trip on Tuesday night after determining that Hamas had not made sufficient progress.

{Matzav.com}