The United States has broken a long-standing diplomatic deadlock by entering into secret talks with Hamas over the release of American hostages held in Gaza, Reuters reports.
The White House has confirmed that special envoy for hostage affairs Adam Bowler has been authorized to speak directly to Hamas, breaking with decades of U.S. policy that bars talks with groups it considers terrorist organizations. Bowler and Hamas representatives have met in Doha recently, but it is unclear who exactly he represented on the Palestinian side. The BBC reports that two such meetings took place in Doha.
Trump met with hostages recently released as part of a Gaza ceasefire at the White House and issued a new threat to Hamas on social media.
He demanded that Hamas “release all hostages immediately, not later,” including the remains of the dead hostages, “or it’s over for you.”
“I am providing Israel with everything it needs to finish the job, and if you don’t do what I say, no Hamas member will be safe,” he wrote. “Furthermore, to the people of Gaza: you have a beautiful future ahead of you, but if you keep holding hostages, it will be the opposite.” Trump also threatened that if the hostages were not released, “all hell will break loose.”
