The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with Hamas regarding the potential release of US hostages held in Gaza, according to a source briefed on the discussions who spoke to Reuters.
US special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, has been leading the direct talks with Hamas in Doha over the past few weeks, as confirmed by the source, corroborating a report by Axios.
Previously, the United States had refrained from direct negotiations with the militant group, which has been designated by the US State Department as a foreign terrorist organization since 1997.
The source mentioned that the talks have centered on securing the release of American hostages in Gaza, but have also touched on the possibility of a broader deal to release all hostages and establish a long-term truce.
Steve Witkoff, the US Middle East envoy, is planning to return to the region soon to negotiate either an extension of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal or a progression to its second phase, as stated by a State Department spokesperson.
