The Trump administration is engaging in direct negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of American hostages in Gaza and potentially broker a broader deal to end the war, a source confirmed to The Times of Israel.
The White House acknowledged the talks, emphasizing that Israel was consulted, though it declined to reveal specifics. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed discussions with the U.S. on the matter but provided no further details.
These secret negotiations, led by Trump’s hostage envoy Adam Boehler, mark the first time the U.S. has directly engaged with Hamas, a group it designated as a terrorist organization in 1997. According to Axios, discussions have taken place in Doha, though no agreement has been reached.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the talks, stating Boehler “has the authority to talk to anyone” in pursuit of American interests. With one known American hostage, Edan Alexander, still in captivity, pressure is mounting for progress. Hamas is also holding the remains of several American-Israeli hostages.
Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, welcomed the U.S. approach, saying, “There is a new attitude from the White House… Instead of pressuring Israel, President Trump is pressuring Hamas, and this is the right thing to do.”
A hostage-ceasefire deal in January resulted in the release of 30 hostages and the remains of eight, but negotiations stalled before reaching a second phase. Talks continue as hopes rise for further hostage releases and a potential ceasefire resolution.
