His remarks came shortly after meeting eight recently freed hostages at the White House. He also pledged unwavering support for Israel’s military efforts, stating, “I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don’t do as I say.”
A Shift in US Policy: Direct Talks with Hamas
For the first time since designating Hamas a terrorist organisation in 1997, the US has engaged in direct talks with the group. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that discussions took place in Doha, Qatar, facilitated by Egyptian and Qatari mediators. She justified the move, stating, “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people is something the president believes is a good-faith effort.”
Adam Boehler, the Trump administration’s envoy for hostage affairs, led the discussions. A veteran of Middle East diplomacy, Boehler played a key role in negotiating the Abraham Accords, which sought to normalise relations between Israel and Arab nations.
The Hostage Crisis: Numbers and Stakes
Israeli authorities report that at least 24 living hostages remain in Gaza, including American citizen Edan Alexander. The bodies of at least 35 others are also believed to be in Hamas’s custody. Israeli officials have been consulted about the US-Hamas talks, though Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office merely stated, “Israel has expressed to the United States its position regarding direct talks with Hamas.”Hamas, which has not commented publicly on the negotiations, previously insisted that any ceasefire deal must include the release of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. The group’s bargaining power remains tied to the hostages, complicating efforts for a resolution.
The Ceasefire Dilemma
The fragile Israel-Hamas ceasefire is at risk of collapsing. A new proposal, reportedly drafted by US envoy Steve Witkoff, would see Hamas release half of the remaining hostages in exchange for an extended ceasefire and negotiations towards a long-term truce. Unlike earlier deals, this proposal makes no mention of Israel releasing additional Palestinian prisoners, potentially making it a non-starter for Hamas.
Trump, known for his hardline stance on Israel, has made it clear he will not pressure Netanyahu into restraint. “There is no chance Hamas will be allowed to survive in Gaza,” a senior White House official said.
A Risky Precedent?
The decision to engage with Hamas directly has sparked debate. While some view it as a pragmatic approach to securing American hostages, others warn it could set a dangerous precedent. Jonathan Panikoff, a former US deputy national intelligence officer, explained, “Engaging Hamas directly could make it easier to get US hostages out and help reach a long-term agreement. On the other hand, knowing Washington will negotiate may incentivise future hostage-taking.”
With no breakthrough in the talks, tensions remain high. Trump’s envoy Steve Witkoff is set to return to the region in the coming days to push for an extension of the ceasefire or to transition into its next phase. Meanwhile, fighting in Gaza has been paused since January 19, with Hamas having exchanged 33 Israeli hostages and five Thai nationals for roughly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees. Israeli intelligence suggests fewer than half of the remaining 59 hostages are still alive.
As the conflict teeters on the edge, Trump’s high-stakes diplomacy could determine whether Gaza sees continued war or the first steps toward a lasting peace.
