The U.S. has confirmed that hostage envoy Adam Boehler’s direct talks with Hamas were a “one-off” effort that has so far “not borne fruit,” according to Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Moving forward, negotiations will be led by Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, who is meeting with Israeli officials in Doha.
The talks focus on a U.S.-backed proposal in which Hamas would release 10 hostages, including American-Israeli Edan Alexander, in exchange for a 60-day ceasefire. However, tensions remain as Hamas accuses Israel of failing to withdraw from the Philadelphi Corridor per the ceasefire terms.
Families of hostages are pressuring the Israeli government for swifter action, demanding a full mandate to secure the release of all 59 remaining captives. Some relatives also oppose Israel’s decision to cut electricity to Gaza, arguing it endangers the hostages.
The situation remains fraught, with Israel reportedly angered by Boehler’s unauthorized talks, while the White House insists Trump “fully backs” his efforts.
