U.S seeks direct talks with Hamas over American hostages in Gaza

DDM News

The United States has reportedly submitted a formal request to engage in direct talks with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Diaspora digital media (DDM) gathered that the goal is to negotiate the release of American-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other dual nationals held in Gaza.

This report was first published by Emirati news outlet Erem News and later echoed by The Times of Israel.

According to unnamed Arab diplomatic sources, the U.S. request was relayed to mediators last week.

If accepted, a meeting between American officials and a Hamas representative could happen in the coming days.

This marks a major shift in Washington’s strategy, as the U.S. has long refused direct contact with Hamas.

The group is officially designated a terrorist organization by the United States, the European Union, and Israel.

The reported request was submitted through intermediaries rather than through formal diplomatic channels.

This shift highlights the urgency surrounding the hostage crisis following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel.

On that day, Hamas militants launched a large-scale assault on southern Israel, breaching security fences and entering Israeli territory.

The attack resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths and the abduction of more than 200 individuals, including dual nationals.

Among the captives were Edan Alexander, Judih Weinstein, Gadi Haggai, Omer Neutra, and Itay Chen.

Some of them were believed to have been killed during the initial attack, while others were taken into Gaza.

For months, the U.S. and Israel have engaged in complex intelligence operations and diplomatic efforts to locate the hostages.

Recent developments suggest a renewed sense of urgency from the U.S. government.

On Sunday, Hamas released a propaganda video showing Edan Alexander in a gaunt and distressed state.

He was seen pleading for help, which caused alarm among his family and the public.

The next day, Hamas claimed it had lost contact with the unit holding Alexander due to an Israeli airstrike.

No further details or evidence were provided to confirm the statement.

This claim has intensified concerns that time may be running out for the American hostage.

U.S. hostage envoy Adam Boehler has now confirmed that discussions with Hamas could resume.

Boehler was previously involved in a controversial round of direct communications with Hamas earlier in 2024.

Those discussions were reportedly held without informing Israeli authorities in advance.

This caused diplomatic friction between Washington and Jerusalem.

Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer reportedly confronted Boehler over the unauthorized negotiations.

In response, Boehler maintained that his March proposal regarding the hostages was coordinated with Israeli officials.

His latest comments on the matter are his first public statements in several weeks.

The potential for renewed talks comes amid mounting public and political pressure in the U.S. to secure the release of citizens held in Gaza.

The Biden administration has so far relied on indirect diplomacy through key regional actors like Qatar and Egypt.

These countries have traditionally served as go-betweens in negotiations involving Hamas and Western governments.

However, progress has been slow, and the fate of the hostages remains uncertain.

The prospect of direct U.S.-Hamas talks indicates a willingness to explore all possible diplomatic options.

It also reflects the rising frustration over the lack of results from current efforts.

It remains unclear what the U.S. might be prepared to offer in exchange for the hostages.

Washington has not commented on whether concessions, such as humanitarian aid or political guarantees, might be on the table.

Israel’s position on the matter also remains to be seen, given past objections to unilateral American engagements with Hamas.

Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen due to the prolonged conflict.

Any agreement on hostage release would likely require complex coordination among multiple actors, including Israel, Egypt, Qatar, and the U.S.

Still, the renewed push for direct talks signals a significant recalibration in how Washington is handling the crisis.

As the situation evolves, the world watches closely to see whether this move will yield a breakthrough.

The fate of Edan Alexander and the other hostages may now hinge on the success of these unorthodox efforts.

For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook