US Engages in Direct Talks with Hamas Amid Stalled Ceasefire Negotiations
The United States has confirmed it is engaging in direct talks with Hamas, a significant shift in policy as negotiations for a ceasefire agreement between the Palestinian armed group and Israel remain precarious, as per Al Jazeera.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt acknowledged the discussions on Wednesday:
“These are ongoing talks and discussions, I’m not going to detail them here, there are American lives at stake.”
Leavitt emphasized that these talks are in the best interest of the American people and a “good faith effort” by President Biden to do what’s right.
The confirmation follows a report by Axios, which identified Adam Boehler, President Trump’s nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, as a participant in the direct talks.
An unnamed Hamas official, cited by AFP news agency, also confirmed the negotiations, which are centered on the release of Israeli and American captives held in Gaza.
This marks a notable change in US policy, as the United States has historically refrained from direct contact with Hamas, designating the group as a “terrorist” organization in 1997.
Israel has stated that it was consulted by the US regarding the direct talks. Israeli officials estimate that approximately 24 living captives, including US citizen Edan Alexander, and the bodies of at least 35 deceased individuals are believed to remain in Hamas custody in Gaza.
News of the direct talks surfaces after the expiration of the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire agreement. While Israel is advocating for an extension of this phase, Hamas is pushing for the implementation of the second phase of the agreement, which was reached in January.
During the first phase, Hamas released 33 hostages in exchange for Israel’s release of over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
The proposal to extend the first phase of the truce was crafted by US envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff. The proposed plan entails Hamas releasing half of its remaining captives in return for a ceasefire extension and a commitment to negotiate a lasting truce.
