The United States has broken a longstanding diplomatic taboo by engaging in secret talks with Hamas to secure the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza, sources told Reuters on Wednesday. This unprecedented move marks a significant shift in U.S. foreign policy, which had previously refrained from negotiating with groups classified as terrorist organizations.
Adam Boehler, the U.S. Hostage Affairs Envoy, holds the authority to converse directly with Hamas, according to the White House. Boehler and Hamas officials reportedly met in Doha in recent weeks, although the specific representatives from Hamas remain unidentified.
During a recent meeting at the White House, President Donald Trump convened with a group of hostages recently released under a Gaza ceasefire deal. In a stark social media post following the meeting, Trump issued a severe threat to Hamas, demanding the immediate release of all hostages, including the remains of deceased hostages. "I am sending Israel everything it needs to finish the job, not a single Hamas member will be safe if you don't do as I say," he stated.
Trump's warning echoes his previous "hell to pay" remark made before his return to the White House on January 20, which was followed by the ceasefire and hostages' release in mid-January. However, Trump did not specify the exact actions he might take if Hamas fails to comply with his demands.
The Palestinian Mujahideen military group in Gaza condemned Trump's warnings, accusing his administration of supporting "crimes of genocide against our people." In response, Israel has denied any accusations of genocide and dismissed the group's statements.
As of now, Hamas has not commented on Trump’s latest threats, leaving the situation tense and uncertain.
Reference(s):
Trump warns Hamas as U.S. holds unprecedented talks for Gaza hostages
cgtn.com
