U.S. and Hamas officials have engaged in talks in Qatar regarding hostages held in the Gaza Strip, marking a shift in American policy towards directly interacting with groups designated as terrorists. This information was confirmed by two Israeli officials, a Western official, and a diplomat familiar with the discussions, all speaking on the condition of anonymity due to the sensitive nature of the negotiations.
Adam Boehler, President Trump’s nominee for special envoy for hostage affairs, participated in these discussions with Hamas officials. The focus of the talks was to secure the release of Edan Alexander, the only Israeli American hostage believed to be alive, as well as the remains of four other Israeli Americans captured during the Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt did not deny the ongoing talks with Hamas, stating that Mr. Boehler had the authority to negotiate with any party involved. This development represents a significant departure from the U.S. approach of utilizing intermediaries, primarily Qatar and Egypt, to communicate with Hamas.
The outcomes of the discussions remain unclear, but efforts are underway to extend the current truce between Israel and Hamas while aiming to free the remaining hostages in Gaza. Approximately 24 living captives, including Mr. Alexander, and at least 35 deceased individuals are believed to be held in Gaza.
Trump conveyed a firm stance on social media, demanding the immediate release of all hostages and the return of the deceased, warning Hamas of severe consequences if they do not comply. The White House indicated that Israel had been informed of the hostage negotiations, though one Israeli official mentioned that Israel learned about the talks through other channels rather than directly from the U.S.
U.S. and European officials had hoped that a no-contact policy with Hamas would weaken the group since it assumed control of Gaza in 2007. However, the effectiveness of this policy has faced scrutiny as the group engaged in sustained attacks and negotiations.
Following the recent violence, mediators have played crucial roles in negotiating pauses in fighting and securing hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Hamas reportedly captured around 250 individuals during its assault on southern Israel, with over 100 released during a week-long truce in late 2023. Currently, discussions around a comprehensive truce to end the war and secure the release of remaining hostages are stalled.
Mr. Boehler has yet to be confirmed by the Senate, despite being nominated by Trump to serve as the special envoy on hostage affairs. The administration has maintained communication with the families of American Israeli captives, expressing concern over their fates.
Hamas currently holds one living American Israeli captive, Edan Alexander, while the bodies of four others remain in their possession. The next steps in negotiations for their release and the broader cease-fire remain uncertain, as tensions persist between Israel and Hamas.
Adi Alexander, the father of Edan, emphasized the need for continued efforts to secure the release of hostages, acknowledging the progress made but insisting that "the job is not done."