The White House Confirms Direct Talks with Hamas, Aligning with US Interests
The White House has confirmed that the Trump administration engaged in direct discussions with Hamas, stating that the negotiations align with U.S. interests. Following this revelation, President Donald Trump issued a stark warning to Palestinians in Gaza, threatening severe consequences if all captives were not released.
Here’s what we know so far:
What Do We Know About the US-Hamas Direct Talks?
The discussions, facilitated by Qatari intermediaries, have reportedly been ongoing for weeks but became more apparent in early March 2025. This marks the first time in decades that the United States has negotiated directly with Hamas, a significant departure from U.S. policy, which previously ruled out direct engagement with the group designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) in 1997. Historically, the U.S. relied on intermediaries like Qatar and Egypt to communicate with Hamas.
The talks focused on securing the release of 21-year-old Edan Alexander, the only Israeli-American captive believed to still be alive, along with the bodies of four other Israeli Americans taken to Gaza on October 7. According to Axios, which first reported the talks, the discussions also included the possibility of a broader agreement to release all remaining captives and establish a long-term truce. The Wall Street Journal reported that talks in Doha last month led to the release of Sagui Dekel Chen, an Israeli-American dual citizen, on February 15.
Who is Adam Boehler?
Adam Boehler, the U.S. presidential envoy for hostage affairs, led the direct talks with Hamas. He previously played a key role as a negotiator during Trump’s first term, particularly in advancing the Abraham Accords, which aimed to normalize relations between Israel and the Arab world.
What Did Trump Say?
Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas in a social media post on Wednesday, demanding the immediate release of all captives. Addressing the people of Gaza directly, he stated, “Also, to the People of Gaza: A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision.” He pledged to provide Israel with “everything it needs to finish the job” and warned, “Not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
Trump has previously advocated for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza’s population and suggested the U.S. should “take over” the Palestinian territory, adding that his plan would not allow Palestinians to return to their homes in Gaza.
How Has Hamas Reacted?
Hamas has not issued an official response to the reports of talks. However, a Hamas official told The Associated Press that the discussions focused on releasing Israeli captives and were “promising.” Responding to Trump’s threats, Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem stated that such rhetoric “complicates matters regarding the ceasefire agreement and encourages [Israel] to refrain from implementing its terms.”
Qassem added, “Hamas implemented all its obligations under phase one, but Israel is avoiding entering phase two. The U.S. administration is required to pressure the occupation to enter negotiations for the second phase.”
How Many Captives Are Currently Held by Hamas?
Israel says 59 captives are still being held in Gaza, with 24 believed to be alive and the bodies of at least 35 others in Hamas’s custody. Hamas captured approximately 250 captives during their October 7 attack on southern Israel, with over 100 released during a weeklong truce in late 2023.
In February, during the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 living captives and the bodies of eight more in exchange for approximately 1,900 Palestinian prisoners. The ceasefire, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S., involved captive-prisoner exchanges, humanitarian aid delivery, and a pause in military operations. However, discussions on advancing to the second phase—which includes the release of the remaining captives, a withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza, and a permanent end to the war—have stalled due to Israel’s reluctance.
How Has Israel Reacted to the Talks?
The Trump administration reportedly consulted Israel about potential direct engagement with Hamas, though Axios reported that Israel learned about certain aspects of the talks through other channels. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt stated, “Israel was consulted on this matter.”
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office released a statement saying it “expressed its opinion” to the U.S. Israel’s consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, told Fox News, “There is a new attitude from the White House … against Hamas. They can talk with Hamas, that’s OK.”
What’s Next?
Despite the direct talks, the Gaza ceasefire remains in limbo. Hamas has accused the U.S. of supporting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s attempts to back out of the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, further exacerbating the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza. Egypt has also suggested that Israel is not fulfilling its obligations under the agreement.
“So far, only the first phase has been implemented, but now a party is attempting to back out of its obligations,” Egypt’s Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty told the Qatari state news agency QNA on Wednesday.
A derailed ceasefire could be catastrophic for Palestinians in Gaza, who have endured nearly 17 months of Israeli attacks and siege tactics. On Sunday, Israel announced it would block all aid into Gaza to pressure Hamas into accepting an extension of phase one of the ceasefire, causing food prices to skyrocket. Even during the ceasefire, locals reported ongoing Israeli artillery fire and air attacks on Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff proposed extending phase one by six weeks. While Netanyahu agreed to the proposal, Hamas opposed it, insisting the deal must proceed to the second phase as originally agreed.
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