Washington engages in direct talks with Hamas over hostage crisis

New Delhi, Mar 6: The White House has confirmed that the US is negotiating directly with Hamas to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Israel had been consulted before these talks began, as reported by international media.

Leavitt explained that President Trump believes in doing what is best for the American people. She also described the efforts of Adam Boehler, the US special envoy for hostages, as a “good faith effort” to help bring Americans home, BBC reported.

A Palestinian source told the BBC that there have been “two direct meetings” between Hamas and a US official, as well as several earlier communications.

Israel reports that 59 hostages are still being held in Gaza. Of these, up to 24 are believed to be alive, including US citizens. The talks were first reported by Axios, which said meetings were taking place in Qatar. The discussions focus on releasing US hostages but also touch on a broader deal to end the war. Israel’s government has acknowledged the US negotiations but has not provided further details as reported by the media.

Unprecedented US Talks with Hamas

This is the first time the US has held direct talks with Hamas, which it designated as a terrorist group in 1997. Boehler met Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar, where the group has had a base since 2012. Qatar, a US ally has played a key role in past negotiations, including ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas.

While the Trump administration consulted Israel before engaging with Hamas, some details of the talks reportedly reached Israel through other channels. Sources say discussions have included not only hostage releases but also a potential long-term truce. However, no deal has been reached yet.

Trump’s Warning to Hamas

US President Trump has issued a strong warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of hostages, BBC reported. “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job,” Trump wrote on Truth Social, adding that no Hamas member would be safe if the hostages were not freed.

He also addressed the people of Gaza, saying they could have a “beautiful future,” but if they held hostages, they were “dead.” Trump had previously warned Hamas in December, saying there would be “hell to pay” if hostages were not released before he took office.

The Israeli Prime Minister’s office confirmed that it had shared its position with the US on these direct talks. However, neither the White House nor the Israeli government provided further comment.