During a signing ceremony in the Oval Office, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that he had met with Hamas to secure the release of hostages. Trump emphasized that the talks were not related to Hamas, but rather assisting Israel. “We are in discussions with Hamas. We are helping Israel in these discussions because we are talking about Israeli hostages,” he stated.

Speaking of his meeting with a group formerly held hostage by Hamas, Trump described the stories he heard as unbelievable and alleged that Hamas mistreated the hostages.

Highlighting that the Joe Biden administration had failed to bring back the hostages, Trump reminded that the hostages had begun to be released under his administration.

Confirming the U.S. negotiations with Hamas in response to a question, Trump reiterated, “We are in discussions with Hamas. We are helping Israel in these talks. Because we are talking about Israeli hostages. We are not doing something related to Hamas. I see it as helping Israel.”

Was a ransom paid for the hostages?

Trump emphasized that the U.S. did not pay any ransom to bring back the hostages, stating, “There is a difference between negotiating and paying a ransom.”

It was initially reported by the U.S. media Axios that the U.S. had established direct contact with Hamas for the first time. According to Axios’ sources, U.S. Special Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler led the discussions and met with Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, last week. It is estimated that there are 59 Israeli captives in Gaza, with five of them being American citizens.

Hamas will release the living hostages if an agreement is reached with Israel for the release of the remaining captives. In return, Israel will release more Palestinian prisoners and completely withdraw its forces from the Gaza Strip. After the second phase, Hamas will hand over the bodies of deceased hostages to Israel.