US Holding Direct Talks with Hamas Over Gaza Hostages, White House Confirms

The United States has entered direct talks with Hamas regarding American hostages held in Gaza, the White House confirmed on Wednesday (March 5).

The move marks a significant departure from Washington’s long-standing policy of avoiding direct engagement with Hamas, which the US designates as a “terrorist organization.”

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that Israel had been consulted ahead of the discussions, according to a report by the BBC.

The talks, first reported by Axios, reportedly focus on securing the release of US hostages and exploring a broader deal to end the ongoing war.

"When it comes to the negotiations that you're referring to, first of all, the special envoy who's engaged in those negotiations does have the authority," Leavitt said. 

She added that US President Donald Trump believes "it is the right thing for the American people" and emphasized that "there are American lives on the line."

Israel also weighed in on the development, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office saying, "During talks with the US, Israel expressed its opinion about the issue of direct talks with Hamas."

The discussions mark a rare and significant shift in US policy, reflecting the urgency of efforts to secure the hostages' release amid the ongoing conflict.