The US Hamas talks are happening while Israel is still blocking humanitarian aid from entering Gaza. This comes after the first phase of the ceasefire ended. Moreover the United States is engaging in direct talks with Hamas.
The United States is holding direct talks with Hamas while ceasefire negotiations between the Palestinian armed group and Israel remain uncertain.
US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza captives.
“These talks are ongoing, but I will not share details because American lives are at stake.”
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said on Wednesday. Confirming a report by Axios media outlet that talks between the two sides were taking place.
The Trump administration has been holding direct talks with Hamas . White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that talking to people around the world is important to protect American interests. She explained that President Biden believes in open discussions to do what is best for the American people.
Hamas says talks with US focused on release of American hostage in Gaza.
Former President Trump chose Adam Boehler as the special envoy for hostage affairs, and Boehler joined the direct talks with Hamas.
A Hamas official told AFP news agency that negotiations are happening over Israeli and American captives held in Gaza.
Since 1997, the US has considered Hamas a “terrorist” group and had previously refused to speak to them directly.
Israel said the US talked to them before having direct talks with Hamas.
US President Donald Trump has issued what he called a “last warning”.
Israeli officials say that about 24 captives are still alive in Gaza, including Edan Alexander, an American citizen. They also believe the bodies of at least 35 others are still there. Furthermore reporter Hamdah Salhut , speaking from Jordan, said the discussions were about the captives.
The goal of the talks is to bring back the bodies of Israeli-American captives and to secure the release of one Israeli captive with US citizenship who is believed to be alive.
The US says its envoys can talk to anyone. Furthermore they are not only negotiating for American captives but also trying to help end the war.
Aid blocked: keypoints of US Hamas Talks
After the first phase of the ceasefire ended, Israel stopped sending humanitarian aid, including fuel, food, and medicine, into Gaza on Sunday. According to US Hamas talks the Israeli government wants to pressure Hamas to agree to new terms. Therefore, Hamas criticized this move, saying it broke the original agreement.
On Wednesday, France, the United Kingdom, and Germany warned Israel not to use aid as a “political tool.” They urged Israel to allow humanitarian
France, the UK, and Germany said that blocking aid to Gaza could break international humanitarian law. They stressed that humanitarian aid should not depend on a ceasefire and also not be used for political reasons.
The three countries also called the situation in Gaza “catastrophic.”
US-designated terror group accuses Trump, Netanyahuof trying to back out of talks to secure second phase of ceasefire in Gaza.
