U.S. and Hamas officials engaged in direct talks in Qatar regarding the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip. President Trump’s nominee for special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, participated in the negotiations. The talks focused on securing the release of Edan Alexander, the only Israeli American hostage still believed to be alive, and the bodies of four other Israeli Americans who were kidnapped and taken to Gaza.
The secret talks mark a significant departure from previous negotiations, as the United States has long designated Hamas as a terrorist group. The result of the discussions is not immediately clear, but the goal is to extend the current truce between Israel and Hamas and free the remaining hostages in Gaza.
President Trump took to social media to issue a warning to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and bodies or face severe consequences. The White House confirmed that Israel had been consulted on the hostage talks, but Israel learned about them through other channels. There are currently 24 living hostages and the bodies of at least 35 others believed to still be held in Gaza.
The direct U.S. contact with Hamas is seen as a move to break a deadlock between Israel and Hamas over the terms for a comprehensive truce. Despite the challenges, efforts are underway to secure the release of the remaining captives, including Edan Alexander.
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