US holding direct talks with Hamas about release of American hostages from Gaza

WASHINGTON — The White House confirmed Wednesday that President Trump’s Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff has engaged in direct talks with Hamas.

“The special envoy who’s engaged in this negotiation does have the authority to talk to anyone. Israel was consulted on this matter,” press secretary Karoline Leavitt said at her regular briefing.

“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interests of the American people is something that the president has proven is what he believes is a good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”

At least one American-citizen hostage — Edan Alexander, 21 — is believed to remain alive following the abductions that took place during Hamas terrorists’ Oct. 7, 2023, rampage that triggered Israel’s invasion, which halted with a cease-fire agreement in January.

Leavitt would not say if the talks also broached Trump’s proposal for a US takeover of the Gaza Strip.

“These are ongoing talks and discussions. I’m not going to detail them here. There are American lives at stake. I would defer you to the Department of State for further details, but I’m not going to get into those talks,” she said.