US Holds First-Ever Direct Talks with Hamas Without Israel’s Knowledge

Doha (Quds News Network)- The Trump administration has been holding direct talks with Hamas movement for the first time without Israel’s knowledge, Axios reported. The discussions focused on securing the release of American settlers imprisoned in Gaza and exploring a broader deal to end the war and reach a long-term truce.

US presidential envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, led the meetings, which took place in Doha in recent weeks. This marks the first time the US has directly negotiated with Hamas resistance movement, which it designated a terrorist organization in 1997.

Israeli officials learned about parts of the talks through ‘other channels’, a source told Axios.

The discussions centered on the release of imprisoned American settlers. They also touched on a broader agreement to free all remaining prisoners and establish a long-term truce. No deal has been reached yet.

Meanwhile, White House envoy Steve Witkoff planned to visit Doha for ceasefire negotiations but canceled his trip.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the US-Hamas talks. She stated that President Trump believes “it is the right thing for the American people” and emphasized that “American lives are on the line.”

Political analyst Saeed Ziad called the meeting a historic first between Hamas and a US administration. He described it as an implicit recognition of Hamas and proof that it is a key force in the region.

Ziad argued that the meeting marks a shift in US strategy, moving from a goal of eliminating Hamas to negotiating with it. He said direct engagement could correct false narratives about Hamas and force the US to acknowledge its political legitimacy.

He also called the meeting a major blow to Israel, and to Netanyahu specifically. He predicted that the talks would push Israel back to the negotiating table and accelerate progress in ceasefire negotiations.

Ziad noted that the US has now broken a long-standing diplomatic taboo by engaging Hamas directly. If indirect talks continue to stall, he believes direct negotiations could become the new reality.

He also pointed out that the Israeli prisoners issue forced this historic shift, showing that Washington will engage with Hamas when necessary.

As talks continue, conditions in Gaza worsen. The initial 42-day ceasefire expired on Saturday, with Netanyahu refusing to engage in the second phase. Israel has halted all humanitarian aid hoping to push Hamas to accept a new different agreement that does not guarantee Israel’s withdrawal from Gaza.