White House confirms US-Hamas direct talks

The White House confirmed Wednesday that a US envoy spoke directly with Hamas to secure American captives, a break in policy for Washington which considers Hamas a terrorist organization.

"Israel was consulted on this matter, and look, dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what's in the best interest of the American people is something that the President" believes is right, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters.

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The Donald Trump administration held secret talks with Hamas, marking the first such direct communication with the Palestinian group since 1997, a report by Axios said earlier today, citing two sources informed of the talks.

The discussions centered on the release of American captives held by Hamas in Gaza, and the possibility of a broader deal to end the war.

The US presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler led the talks from the US side, which took place in Doha, Qatar. The report says they are unprecedented as the US designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997.

Other than releasing American captives, the talks included discussion of a broader deal to release all remaining captives and reach a long-term truce – according to the sources.

There are 59 captives held by Hamas in Gaza after the first phase of the fragile ceasefire ended. “Israeli” intelligence says only 22 are alive.

Five Americans remain in Hamas captivity. 21-year-old Edan Alexander is believed to be alive. The status of the rest remains uncertain.