Reuters March 6, 2025
U.S. holding direct talks with Hamas on release of American hostages in Gaza, source says

The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with Hamas on the possibility of releasing U.S. hostages being held in Gaza, a source briefed on the conversations told Reuters.

Trump warns Hamas as U.S. holds unprecedented talks for Gaza hostages.

The United States broke a longstanding diplomatic taboo by holding secret talks with Hamas on securing the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza, sources told Reuters on Wednesday, while President Donald Trump warned of "hell to pay" should the Palestinian militant group not comply.

U.S. hostage affairs envoy Adam Boehler has the authority to talk directly with Hamas, the White House said when asked about the discussions, which broke with decades-old policy against negotiating with groups that the U.S. brands as terrorist organizations.

Boehler and Hamas officials met in Doha in recent weeks, two sources briefed on the negotiations said
It was not clear who represented Hamas.

The U.S. had long avoided direct engagement with the Islamist group, designated a terrorist organization in 1997

The Palestinian Mujahideen military group in Gaza condemned Trump's warning, saying it demonstrated his administration's intention "to proceed as a partner in the crimes of genocide against our people.” Israel has denied accusations of genocide.

the group said, Trump's threats today
1. clearly reveal the ugly face of the United States of America
2. and show its lack of seriousness and its renunciation of the agreement it mediated