The White House confirmed that the Trump administration is engaged in direct consultations with Hamas, saying the discussion is consistent with our interests.
Following this, President Donald Trump threatened Palestinians in Gaza with fatal consequences if all prisoners were not released.
Here’s what we know:
What do we know about Hama in-person talks?
The debate, promoted by Qatari intermediaries, reportedly continued for several weeks, became more apparent in early March 2025.
This is the first time in decades that they have negotiated directly with Hamas, a major departure from US policy that excluded direct involvement with groups that designated foreign terrorist organizations (FTOs).
Instead, they relied on intermediaries (more recently Qatar and Egypt) to communicate with Hamas.
They focused on securing the release of 21-year-old Edan Alexander, the only Israeli-American prisoner believed to be still alive, along with the bodies of four other Israeli-Americans who were taken to Gaza on October 7th.
Axios, who first reported the talks, said the discussion includes a broader agreement to release all remaining prisoners and establish a long-term ceasefire.
The Wall Street Journal reported that a speech was held in Doha last month, leading to the release of Saguy DeKelchen, a dual Israeli-American citizen, on February 15th.
Who is Adam Berer?
Adam Berler, the envoy of the US President on the hostage issue, led the in-person meeting with Hamas.
He was also a key negotiator on the Abrahamian agreement during Trump’s first term and worked to expand Israel’s normalization with the Arab world.
What did Trump say?
Following the report, Trump issued a strong warning to Hamas in a social media post Wednesday, demanding immediate releases of all prisoners.
He spoke directly to the people of Gaza. “And also for the people of Gaza: a beautiful future awaits, but not if you hold hostages. If so, you’re dead! Trump wrote.
He told Israel he would send “everything needed to finish work,” and warned him that “if they don’t do what I said, Hamas members will not be safe.”
Trump has advocated for the cleansing of the Gaza population and the ethnic group that the US would “take over” Palestinian territory, adding that his “plan” would not allow Palestinians to return to their Gaza homes.
How did Hamas react?
There was no official response to Hamas’ report of the lecture.
Hamas officials told The Associated Press that the talks focused on liberating Israeli prisoners of war, and are “promising.”
In response to Trump’s threat, Hamas spokesman Haism Qassem said “complicating the issues regarding the ceasefire agreement and encouraging them to refrain from implementing the terms (Israel) from refraining from implementing the terms,” according to an Anadoru news agency.
“Hamas has implemented all of its obligations under Phase 1, but Israel is avoiding entering Phase 2,” Qassem added. “The US administration needs to put pressure on the profession to enter into phase 2 negotiations.”
Is Hamas currently holding prisoners of war?
Israel says that 59 prisoners are still being held in Gaza, with 24 of them being believed to be alive. It says at least 35 bodies remain under Hamas custody.
Hamas captured about 250 prisoners during the attack on Southern Israel, according to the Israeli government. Over 100 people were released during the weekly truce in the second half of 2023.
In February, in the first phase of the ceasefire, Hamas released 25 living prisoners and eight more bodies in exchange for around 1,900 Palestinian prisoners.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas was negotiated with mediation from Qatar, Egypt and the United States. The exchange of prisoners of war, provision of humanitarian aid, and suspension of military operations marked the first stage.
The debate over the advancement to the second phase of the agreement, including the release of the remaining 59 prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, and the permanent end of the war, was supported by Israel.
How did Israel respond to the consultations?
The Trump administration reportedly consulted Israel about its direct potential involvement with Hamas. However, according to Axios, Israelis have learned about aspects of speaking through other channels.
“Israel has been consulted on the issue,” said White House spokesman Karoline Leavitt.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has issued a statement to the United States that it “expressed its opinion.”
Ophiel Aknis, Israeli consul general in New York, told Fox News: They can talk to Hamas, that’s fine. ”
What’s next?
Despite the in-person meeting, the Gaza ceasefire is in scope.
Hamas responded to Trump’s threat by saying that the US supports Netanyahu’s attempt to retreat from the second phase of the ceasefire agreement, and that it supports starving and siege Palestinians in Gaza.
Egypt also suggests that Israel is not trying to end the agreement.
“So far, only the first phase has been implemented, but now the parties are about to retreat from their obligations,” Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatti told Qatar’s news agency QNA on Wednesday.
A derailed ceasefire could be disastrous for Palestinians in Gaza, who have been struggling with Israeli attacks and siege tactics for nearly 17 months.
On Sunday, Israel said it would block all aid in Gaza, put pressure on Hamas to accept an extension of Phase 1 of the ceasefire and immediately be shot at Gaza food prices. Even during the ceasefire, locals reported Israeli cannon fires and air attacks on Gaza.
The first phase of the ceasefire expired on March 1st. US Special Envoy Steve Wittkoff proposed step 1, which would be extended by six weeks. Netanyahu agreed to the proposition, but Hamas opposed it and called for a contract to proceed to the second phase as previously agreed.