ARUTZ SHEVA
Trump Admin. holding secret direct talks with Hamas over hostages
March 5, 2025

The Trump Administration has been engaged in direct talks with the Hamas terrorist organization in an effort to release the American citizens who are still held hostage in Gaza, Axios correspondent Barak Ravid reported Wednesday. Two anonymous sources told Ravid that the talks held between Hamas and US hostage envoy Adam Boehler constitute the first direct talks between the US government and Hamas in nearly three decades. The focus of the talks is reportedly the release of five Americans who were abducted during the October 7 massacre. Of these US citizens, only one, Edan Alexander, is believed to still be alive. The talks are also meant to examine the possibility of a deal to release all of the 59 remaining hostages, both the living and the dead, and a deal that would end the war permanently. READ MORE

TIMES OF ISRAEL Trump defends direct US-Hamas talks as Israel seethes, attempts to sabotage them US president says effort aimed at releasing Israeli hostages, but Witkoff admits US captives are priority and that Trump issued ultimatum after Hamas didn’t play ball in meeting