The first known direct contacts between the US and Hamas since the American Foreign Ministry labeled the armed group as terrorists in 1997.
Israel has been consulted about this. Having a dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what is best for the American people is something that the President (Donald Trump) believes is right, says the White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
"American lives are at stake"
Leavitt does not want to go into details, but she confirms that the US envoy Adam Boehler was responsible and that the release of Hamas' American hostages was discussed. She emphasizes that Boehler has "the authority to talk to anyone".
American lives are at stake, she says.
Israel confirms that the US informed them about the talks. In a statement from Benjamin Netanyahu's office, it is stated that Israel then "expressed its opinion on direct talks with Hamas".
Egypt and Qatar have acted as intermediaries in the talks that have taken place since Hamas' attack on October 7, 2023.
An anonymous source within Hamas states that the US talks took place in February and focused on American hostages – both living and deceased – and an end to the war without Hamas in power in Gaza. No progress was made, but more talks are expected, according to the source.
Proposal for extension
Another Hamas source states that two direct meetings took place in Doha in recent days.
It was mediators from Egypt and Qatar who arranged the talks.
In the background, there is uncertainty surrounding the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
The first phase of the ceasefire expired on Saturday. The Israeli government has proposed an extension of phase one, while Hamas wants to negotiate to reach an agreement on phase two.
A second phase would mean a more permanent and in-depth ceasefire, compared to the more preliminary measures of the first phase. Then, Hamas would also release all remaining living hostages.
