White House in direct talks with Hamas over release of hostages

The White House is holding direct talks with Hamas over the return of the Israeli hostages held since the 7 October attack, breaking decades of precedent by engaging with the militant group without intermediaries.

- Andrew Roth

The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said yesterday that officials had held "ongoing talks and discussions" with officials from the militant group. The Trump administration has vowed to return all of the Israeli hostages held in Gaza amid a shaky ceasefire deal.

Leavitt told reporters that Israel had been consulted on the talks and the special envoy Adam Boehler "does have the authority to talk to anyone" when "American lives are at stake". Leavitt added: "Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do the best interests of the American people is something the president has proven; is what he believes is good faith effort to do - what's right for the American people.

"These are ongoing talks and discussions."

Axios first reported the "secret talks" with Hamas citing two sources with direct knowledge of meetings held in Doha, Qatar in recent weeks.