US holding secret talks with Hamas on hostage release – Reuters
Photo: The United States is holding secret talks with Hamas to free hostages (Getty Images)
The administration of US President Donald Trump is holding secret talks with the Palestinian group Hamas regarding the potential release of American hostages held in the Gaza Strip, Reuters reports.
According to agency sources, the US hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has been conducting direct talks with Hamas in Doha, Qatar, in recent weeks.
Until recently, the US had avoided direct negotiations with militant groups. Hamas has been on the US list of foreign terrorist organizations since 1997. Reuters notes that these talks contradict longstanding US policy against direct contact with groups Washington deems terrorist organizations.
Sources said the discussions were focused on securing the release of American hostages still being held in Gaza.
Another source revealed that the talks also involved broader discussions on an agreement for the release of all remaining hostages and how to achieve a long-term ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
It is worth recalling that recently, Israel agreed to a plan proposed by the US special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, to extend the ceasefire with Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
The Jerusalem government warned that if Hamas rejected the plan, the war could resume.
However, Hamas ultimately rejected the proposed plan.
Later, the Israeli government decided to close border crossings with the Gaza Strip and halt the delivery of humanitarian aid in response to Hamas's refusal.
