USA
US in unprecedented direct talks with Hamas over phase two of ceasefire deal
An estimated 24 living hostages still remain in captivity in Gaza
March 7, 2025 12:45
An estimated 24 living hostages still remain in captivity in Gaza
March 7, 2025 12:45The United States has confirmed it has established direct negotiations with Hamas for the first time ever to discuss the fate of the hostages still held in Gaza.
The talks, led by Adam Boehler, the US envoy for hostage affairs, are taking place in Doha, Qatar.
Israeli officials say about 24 living hostages — including Edan Alexander, an American citizen — as well as the bodies of at least 35 others are believed to still be held in Gaza.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the talks on Wednesday, emphasising that President Trump views them as essential to securing the release of American captives and ensuring the safety of Israeli hostages.
"Engaging in discussions globally to serve the best interests of the American people is something the President believes in," Leavitt stated.
Trump himself defended the talks, stating they were being conducted with Israel’s best interests in mind, particularly to secure the release of hostages.
"We’re not doing anything in terms of Hamas. We’re not giving cash," Trump asserted. "You have to negotiate. There’s a difference between negotiating and paying. We want to get these people out."
Recent reports indicate that the talks have ended on a "positive spirit," suggesting that phase two of the ceasefire agreement might be within reach, though some outlets have suggested that they reached an impasse yesterday.
The new plan would require Hamas to release half of its remaining hostages in exchange for a ceasefire extension and a commitment to negotiate a lasting truce, with no mention of releasing more Palestinian prisoners, a key part of the first phase, or of total IDF withdrawal, which had previously been scheduled for the second.
According to Channel 13, repeatedly inquired whether the Israeli public supported continuing the deal beyond its first phase while meeting a group of freed hostages in the Oval Office this week.
Polling indicates that a majority of Israelis support continuing the agreement, although support is lower among coalition voters for the second phase.
The White House has also confirmed that Israel has been consulted about the US-Hamas discussions, although some reports suggest that the Israeli government learned of some details through indirect channels rather than briefings.
Trump made clear his intentions in a statement on Wednesday, issuing a sharp ultimatum to Hamas: "Release all of the Hostages now, not later, and immediately return all of the dead bodies of the people you murdered, or it is OVER for you."
He added: "Only sick and twisted people keep bodies, and you are sick and twisted!" He also directed a message to the people of Gaza, many of whom do not support Hamas, urging them to release the hostages: "A beautiful Future awaits, but not if you hold Hostages. If you do, you are DEAD! Make a SMART decision. RELEASE THE HOSTAGES NOW, OR THERE WILL BE HELL TO PAY LATER!"
Yet the continuation of the ceasefire remains uncertain. Trump has signaled that he would not stop Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from resuming combat if Hamas rejects the new proposal, reportedly drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff.
In his statement, Trump underscored the urgency of the situation, reiterating that there will be consequences if the hostages are not freed. "Somebody’s going to have to get a lot rougher than they’re getting. It’s a shame," he remarked, suggesting that the pressure on Hamas to comply with the demands for hostage releases will only intensify.