The White House announced that President Trump has dispatched an envoy for direct negotiations with Hamas regarding the release of Israeli hostages. Trump issued a stern warning via social media, stressing the urgency of releasing captives and returning the deceased, or else there would be dire consequences. The administration’s engagement marks a shift in policy, given the US's long-standing avoidance of direct interaction with groups labeled as terrorists. White House officials acknowledged that ongoing discussions with Hamas might involve American lives, specifically referencing hostages, including US citizen Edan Alexander.
His post comes hours after the White House confirmed Trump had dispatched an envoy for unprecedented direct talks with Hamas.
In his post, Trump warned there would be "hell to pay" if the captives, which include 24 living hostages and the bodies of 35 others, were not released.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that the US had engaged in "ongoing talks and discussions" with Hamas officials via Adam Boehler, Trump's nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs.
She noted that "American lives are at stake" - likely referring to US citizen Edan Alexander, who is currently held by Hamas.
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