US confirms direct talks with Hamas over Gaza captives

The United States is engaging in direct talks with Hamas after ceasefire negotiations between the Palestinian armed group and Israel stalled. White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre confirmed the Axios media report on Wednesday, stating that negotiations are underway, adding, "These are ongoing talks and discussions, and I'm not going to detail them here because it concerns the safety and security of American lives." This engagement underscores the urgency and sensitivity of the situation.

Jean-Pierre stated, "The President has demonstrated that talking to people around the world in the best interest of the American people is what he sees as a sincere effort to do the right thing for the American people." The Trump administration had previously nominated Adam Boehler as a special envoy for hostage affairs, and he was also involved in direct talks with Hamas. Such continuity across administrations highlights the importance of securing American interests.

AFP quoted a Hamas official confirming the negotiations regarding Israeli-American captives held in Gaza. This follows the U.S. having publicly refused direct contact with the group since designating Hamas as a "terrorist organization" in 1997. Israel has indicated that they were consulted by the U.S. regarding the direct dialogue. This consultation signifies a level of coordination between the two allies despite the sensitive nature of the talks.

According to Israeli officials, approximately 24 living captives—including American citizen Itan Alexander—and at least 35 bodies are believed to remain held in Gaza. Al Jazeera's Hamdah Salhut, reporting from Jordan, stated that the parties discussed the issue of captives held in Gaza. "We understand that this is to ensure the recovery of the remains of Israeli-American captives who are still being held in Gaza, as well as an Israeli captive with American citizenship who is believed to be alive." The focus on both living captives and the deceased underscores the comprehensive nature of the negotiation efforts.

Salhut added, "The Americans have said that their envoy is authorized to negotiate with anyone, and not just about captives holding American citizenship, but also about ending the war." The confirmation of these talks comes after the expiration of the first phase of the Israeli-Hamas ceasefire, with Israel pushing for an extension while Hamas insists on moving forward with the second phase of an agreement reached in January. The broader scope of the negotiations, including ending the war, reflects the complexity of the situation.

In the first phase, Hamas released 33 hostages in exchange for Israel's release of over 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israel stated that the proposal to extend the first phase of the truce was drafted by U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff. The new plan calls for Hamas to release half of the remaining captives in exchange for an extension of the ceasefire and a commitment to negotiate a permanent truce. Israel made no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners—a key component of the first phase. This shift in priorities indicates a potential point of contention in ongoing negotiations.

Following the end of the first phase, Israel suspended the entry of humanitarian aid, including fuel, aid, and medicine, into Gaza on Sunday, aiming to pressure Hamas to accept the new terms—a move Hamas condemned as a violation of the original agreement. France, the United Kingdom, and Germany warned Israel on Wednesday against using aid as a "political tool," calling on Israel to ensure "unimpeded" delivery of humanitarian supplies to the war-torn Palestinian enclave. This international pressure highlights the growing concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

The three European countries stated in a joint statement, "We call on the Israeli government to uphold its international obligations to ensure full, rapid, safe and unimpeded humanitarian access for humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza." They also stated, "Stopping goods and supplies entering Gaza, as the Israeli government has announced, could violate international humanitarian law. Humanitarian assistance should never be conditional on a ceasefire or used as a political tool." The three European nations described the humanitarian situation in Gaza as "catastrophic." Their strong condemnation underscores the severity of the crisis and the urgent need for humanitarian access.