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The United States has shifted its diplomatic stance by engaging in covert discussions with Hamas regarding the release of American hostages in Gaza, as reported by sources to Reuters on Wednesday. This move marks a break from the long-standing U.S. policy of avoiding negotiations with groups classified as terrorist organizations. President Donald Trump issued a strong warning, indicating severe consequences for Hamas should they fail to comply with demands for the hostages’ release.
According to the White House, Adam Boehler, the U.S. hostage affairs envoy, possesses the authority to engage directly with Hamas. Recent meetings between Boehler and representatives from Hamas reportedly took place in Doha, although the specific individuals representing the militant group remain unidentified.
During a recent encounter at the White House, Trump met with recently released hostages under a ceasefire agreement and subsequently issued a blunt ultimatum via social media. He demanded the immediate release of all hostages—including the remains of deceased individuals—threatening harsh repercussions if they were not freed. His statement emphasized support for Israel, asserting that the U.S. would provide necessary resources to decisively confront Hamas.
Trump’s language echoed previous threats made before his expected return to the White House, advocating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, which he attributed to his influence during his tenure. However, specifics regarding potential U.S. actions in the event of Hamas’s noncompliance were not detailed.
The longstanding U.S. policy against direct engagement with Hamas originated after the group orchestrated a violent incursion into southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of 251 hostages, thus igniting a fierce conflict in Gaza. Reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that Israel’s military response has led to the deaths of over 48,000 Palestinians.
The U.S. State Department formally designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997. Among the hostages is Edan Alexander from Tenafly, New Jersey, believed to be the last living American captive, who appeared in a Hamas-produced video in November 2024. Four other American hostages have been confirmed dead by Israeli officials.
Historically, the U.S. has engaged with Israel as well as mediators from Qatar and Egypt to facilitate a ceasefire and arrange for hostage releases, largely avoiding any direct communication with Hamas until now.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Boehler is authorized to have direct discussions with Hamas. Although she indicated Israel was informed about these talks, she did not clarify the timeline of communication. Leavitt framed these efforts as part of Trump’s commitment to safeguarding American lives.
In contrast, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office acknowledged that Israel had communicated its stance regarding direct negotiations with Hamas but refrained from providing further details. Like many countries, Israel categorizes Hamas as a terrorist organization and maintains a policy of non-negotiation.
Taher Al-Nono, a political adviser for Hamas, remarked that he was unaware of any meetings with U.S. officials but noted that any interaction with the American administration could serve to stabilize the region.
Evaluating Risks and Opportunities
Sources indicated that discussions have centered on securing the release of American hostages in Gaza but have also touched upon broader negotiations aimed at releasing remaining captives and establishing a lasting truce. Since January 19, 2024, fighting in Gaza has ceased, with Hamas exchanging 33 Israeli hostages and five Thais for approximately 2,000 Palestinian detainees. However, Israeli officials estimate that fewer than half of the remaining 59 hostages are still alive.
Leavitt was asked about whether the dialogues included Trump’s controversial suggestion for the U.S. to redevelop Gaza into a luxury resort after relocating its inhabitants, a proposition that has faced widespread rejection in the Arab world and condemnation from human rights organizations. She declined to disclose specifics, citing the sensitive nature of these discussions.
Jonathan Panikoff, a former U.S. deputy national intelligence officer focused on the Middle East, observed that Trump’s unconventional approach to diplomacy presents both risks and opportunities. Engaging Hamas could facilitate the release of U.S. hostages and pave the way for a sustainable agreement, yet it may also inadvertently encourage future hostile actions given that negotiation could be seen as an incentive for the group.
In the coming days, Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, is expected to return to the region to explore options for either prolonging the initial phase of the ceasefire or moving forward to the next stage of negotiations, according to a spokesperson for the U.S. State Department.
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