Trump Administration: Meeting with Hamas was very helpful and we understand Israel's concerns

Last Wednesday, the White House confirmed that direct talks were being held with Hamas, following leaks published by American and Israeli media.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Levitt said during a press conference that the Trump administration had held direct talks with Hamas, and that the talks were ongoing.

"When it comes to the negotiations that you are referring to, first and foremost, the special envoy who participated in those negotiations has the authority," she added.

She added that Israel was consulted, and although she did not specify the scope of the talks with Hamas, she said that dialogue and talking to people around the world to achieve the best interests of the American people is what President Trump emphasized, who believes that this is "a good faith effort to do what is right for the American people."

For his part, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed its knowledge of Washington's direct talks with Hamas, and said that Israel had expressed its opinion to the Americans regarding those talks.

"Israel Hayom" newspaper quoted an informed source as saying that "Israel is very concerned about the Trump administration's direct talks with Hamas."

An informed Palestinian source also said that the US envoy for detainee affairs, Adam Boehler, met with Hamas officials in the Qatari capital, Doha, a few weeks ago.

The source, who preferred to remain anonymous, explained that the talks were held to explore positions on a deal to release Israeli prisoners who hold American citizenship.

He added that Hamas confirmed to the American envoy its desire to reach a comprehensive deal to stop the war, while stressing the need to enter the second phase of the agreement.

Extend the agreement

It is noteworthy that the American website Axios had confirmed that Hamas is still holding 59 prisoners in Gaza, noting that the Israeli army confirmed that 35 of them had died, while Israeli intelligence believes that 22 detainees are still alive, and that the status of two others is unknown.

Among the remaining detainees are five Americans, including one, 21-year-old Aidan Alexander, who is believed to be alive.

The first phase of the 42-day ceasefire agreement officially ended on March 1, after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on extending it.

Source: Al Jazeera