US engages in secret talks with Hamas over Gaza hostages: report

The United States has reportedly held unprecedented secret negotiations with Hamas regarding the potential release of American hostages being held in Gaza, according to a report by Axios.

Citing two unnamed sources with direct knowledge of the discussions, the report states that these talks mark the first time the US has directly engaged with Hamas, which has been designated a terrorist organisation by Washington since 1997.

The discussions have been led by Adam Boehler, the US presidential envoy for hostage affairs, and have taken place in Doha over the past few weeks. While the US had previously informed Israel of the possibility of such talks, Israeli officials only became aware of the engagement through other channels.

The primary focus of the negotiations has been on securing the release of American hostages. However, sources indicate that broader discussions have also taken place, including the possibility of a larger agreement that could lead to the release of all remaining hostages and potentially a long-term truce.

Despite these discussions, no formal agreement has been reached so far.

The revelation of these secret talks has drawn significant attention, given that the US has historically refrained from engaging directly with Hamas.