Trump administration holds unprecedented negotiations for hostage release
The Trump administration has been engaged in secret negotiations with Hamas to secure the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza, Axios reported on Wednesday. The report cites two unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the discussions.
A first in US-Hamas relations
This development marks a historic shift, as the US has never engaged directly with Hamas before. The group has been designated a terrorist organization by Washington since 1997, making any formal talks highly sensitive.
Talks led by US hostage affairs envoy
According to sources, the discussions have been led by US presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, and have taken place in Doha over recent weeks.
Although the US government had briefed Israel on the possibility of initiating talks with Hamas, Israeli officials reportedly learned about the engagement through other channels.
While the primary focus remains on securing the release of American hostages, the sources indicate that broader discussions have taken place regarding the release of all remaining hostages as part of a long-term truce agreement.
