The Trump administration has engaged in direct talks with Hamas for the first time in an effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza, two sources with knowledge of the discussions confirmed. The negotiations, led by U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, took place in recent weeks in Doha, Qatar, a country that has long served as a diplomatic intermediary in the region.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the talks on Wednesday, stating that Israel had been consulted in advance. Trump believes "it is the right thing for the American people," Leavitt said. "There are American lives on the line."
The discussions have centered on securing the release of U.S. citizens and other hostages, as well as exploring a broader deal for a long-term truce between Israel and Hamas. However, no agreement has been reached. The talks mark a significant departure from U.S. policy, which has historically avoided direct negotiations with Hamas, a group designated as a foreign terrorist organization by the U.S. government since 1997.
Israeli officials have acknowledged the discussions but expressed reservations. "During talks with the U.S., Israel expressed its opinion about the issue of direct talks with Hamas," the Israeli Prime Minister's office said in a statement.
The negotiations come amid escalating tensions between Washington and Hamas, with President Trump issuing an ultimatum to the militant group. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump warned that if hostages were not released immediately, there would be "hell to pay." He also threatened Hamas leaders directly, stating, "For the leadership, now is the time to leave Gaza while you still have a chance."
Trump's post also included a stark message directed at civilians in Gaza. "A beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If you do, you are DEAD!" he wrote.
The U.S. has long worked through intermediaries, such as Egypt and Qatar, in past ceasefire negotiations and hostage release efforts. This is the first known instance of direct engagement between U.S. officials and Hamas. Reports indicate that two meetings between Boehler and Hamas representatives have already taken place, with additional communications preceding them.
The move has raised concerns about its impact on U.S.-Israel relations and broader Middle East diplomacy. Mick Mulroy, a former U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for the Middle East, cautioned that the talks could complicate Israeli efforts to retrieve their own citizens. "It could complicate the Israelis' ability to get their citizens back if not tightly coordinated," he said.
Hamas currently holds 59 hostages, with Israeli intelligence estimating that at least 24 remain alive. Among them is 21-year-old Edan Alexander, an American citizen. The recent collapse of a 42-day ceasefire agreement has left negotiations at a standstill, with humanitarian conditions in Gaza deteriorating rapidly.
Qatar, which has hosted Hamas' political wing since 2012, continues to play a central role in diplomatic negotiations. The Gulf state, a U.S. ally, has also facilitated past talks involving Iran, the Taliban, and Russia. The latest U.S.-Hamas discussions indicate an evolving strategy from the Trump administration as it seeks to bring hostages home while maintaining strong support for Israel's military operations.
