American Hostage Representative Finds Meeting With Hamas to be Extremely Beneficial
This follows the U.S. special envoy to the Middle East recently stating that securing a specific American hostage was a ’top priority for us’ in negotiations.
White House hostage envoy, Adam Boehler, mentioned on March 9 that meetings with Hamas regarding the release of its remaining hostages were very helpful, and he did not rule out further discussions with the terrorist organization.
The recent meetings with Hamas focused on the group’s goal of ending the war, as Boehler stated.
“I think it was a very helpful meeting. It was very helpful to hear some back and forth,” Boehler told CNN’s “State of the Union” on Sunday.
Boehler acknowledged Israeli official Ron Dermer’s concerns about direct contact with Hamas but highlighted the talks’ clear goal.
“We’re the United States. We have specific interests at play, and we did communicate back and forth.
“What I wanted to do is jump-start some negotiations that were in a very fragile place. And I wanted to say to Hamas, ‘What is the end game that you want here?’”
Boehler’s discussions with Hamas mark a departure from decades-old Washington policy of not negotiating with terrorist organizations.
This week, U.S. envoys will travel to the region to continue discussions on a cease-fire in Gaza.
Boehler expressed hope for results on the Gaza-held hostages within weeks but did not provide further details. He believes a comprehensive deal can be reached for the release of all prisoners in Gaza, not just Americans.
Separately, Boehler expressed uncertainty about the status of American journalist Austin Tice in Syria.
“I’m going to go to Syria, and I’m going to do the best I can to find out,” Boehler said. “If he’s there, I’m going to bring him home.”
Hamas Comments on Boehler Talks
On Sunday, Taher Al-Nono, a political advisor to Hamas’ leader, confirmed the meetings with Washington in Qatar last week. The discussions aimed at releasing an American-Israeli dual national held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.
“We informed the American delegation that we don’t oppose the release of the prisoner within the framework of these talks,” Nono told Reuters.
Last week, President Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, emphasized that securing the release of Edan Alexander, the last American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, was a “top priority for us.”
On Saturday, Israel and Hamas indicated they were working on the next phase of a cease-fire deal that began in January.
On Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists crossed into southern Israel, triggering the Israel–Hamas war that has resulted in numerous casualties.
Steve Witkoff played a crucial role in securing the Jan. 19 cease-fire truce, according to Nono.
Hamas has so far exchanged hostages and prisoners as part of phase one of the agreement.
On March 5, Trump issued a “last warning” to Hamas to release the remaining hostages or face severe consequences.
Travis Gillmore, Reuters, and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
