The U.S. government has confirmed that they have engaged in direct talks with Hamas. White House Spokesperson Leavitt confirmed the talks by stating, “The special representative conducting these negotiations has the authority to speak with anyone, and Israel was consulted on this matter.” The U.S. media had previously claimed that direct talks were held with Hamas for the release of Israeli captives and a more comprehensive agreement.

During a press briefing, White House Spokesperson Leavitt verified the claim that the U.S. had engaged in direct talks with Hamas “for the rescue of American captives held by Hamas.”

Leavitt stated, “The special representative leading these negotiations has the authority to speak with anyone and Israel was consulted on this matter. These talks are ongoing, so I will not go into detail at this time. It concerns the lives of Americans.” The White House spokesperson noted that they conduct various discussions in the interest of the country anywhere in the world and strive to do what is right for the American people.

CLAIMS OF DIRECT TALKS FEATURED IN THE U.S. MEDIA Axios, a news site based in the U.S., claimed in a report based on two informed sources that the U.S. had established direct contact with Hamas for the first time. The sources speaking to Axios mentioned that the discussions were led by Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, who had recently met with Hamas officials in the Qatari capital, Doha. The main focus of the talks was reported to be on the release of prisoners who hold dual Israeli-American citizenship, with the possibility of a more comprehensive agreement for the release of all prisoners and a long-term ceasefire also being discussed.

The sources noted that the Trump administration had consulted with Israel on communication with Hamas, but Tel Aviv was informed through different channels about the content of the discussions. It was also emphasized that no agreement had been reached in the talks. It is estimated that there are 59 Israeli captives in Gaza, with five of them being American citizens.

TRANSITION TO THE SECOND PHASE If Hamas reaches an agreement with Israel on the release of the remaining captives, they will hand over the surviving hostages. Israel will release more Palestinian prisoners. The Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip will completely withdraw. After the second phase, Hamas will deliver the lifeless bodies of the deceased hostages to Israel.