U.S. holds direct talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages

The Trump administration has reportedly been holding secret negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in an effort to secure the release of American hostages held in Gaza.

U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler, reportedly met with Hamas representatives in Doha, Qatar in recent weeks. However, it remains unclear who represented Hamas in these discussions.

The United States has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization since 1997 and has long refrained from direct engagement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement confirming that Israel has conveyed its stance on direct talks with Hamas to the United States but did not provide further details.

Meanwhile, Hamas has not responded to requests for comment on the reported negotiations.