White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt underscored that these talks align with President Trump’s belief in speaking with anyone necessary to secure American interests, highlighting the urgency of resolving the hostage situation.
“There are American lives at stake,” Leavitt remarked, adding that Israel had been consulted on the talks.
Israeli officials confirmed that around 24 hostages, including American citizen Edan Alexander, along with the bodies of at least 35 others, are still held by Hamas.
While US officials engaged directly with Hamas, the Israeli government expressed its position on these talks but did not elaborate further.
Trump’s special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, who previously played a role in the Abraham Accords negotiations, led these direct talks.
Although no substantial progress was made, a Hamas official described the engagement as promising and indicated that further discussions would take place.
As the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains fragile, Trump has signaled his full support for Israel’s efforts and its return to combat if Hamas does not meet the demands for hostages’ release.
Talks continue around a new ceasefire plan drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff, which includes the release of half of Hamas’s remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension.
Trump also welcomed former hostages to the White House, where they expressed their gratitude for his efforts in securing their release and urged continued action to bring the remaining hostages home.
One of the former hostages, Keith Siegel, emphasized the trust in Trump and Witkoff, confident that the remaining hostages would be returned to their families.
The direct engagement between the US and Hamas is seen as a pivotal moment in US diplomacy, with the future of the ceasefire and hostages’ fate hanging in the balance.
Conclusion
The recent shift in US policy, with direct engagement between the US and Hamas, marks a critical moment in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.
President Trump’s firm stance on the immediate release of hostages and the return of bodies underscores the urgency of resolving the situation and bringing American citizens home. As the talks continue and new ceasefire proposals emerge, the international community watches closely.
The outcome of these discussions could significantly impact both the future of the Israel-Hamas conflict and US foreign policy in the region.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.
COMMENTS