In a fresh development amid the tensions in West Asia, for the very first time, the Trump administration is communicating directly with Hamas over securing the release of American hostages held in Gaza as well as a broader deal to end the war, Reuters reported on Wednesday.
It has been reported that the secret talks are being conducted by Trump regime's hostage envoy Adam Boehler. Before this, the US has never engaged in direct communications with Hamas.
Reports say that Edan Alexander is the only remaining American hostage in Gaza who is believed still to be alive. Besides, Hamas is also in possession of the bodies of American-Israeli hostages Itay Chen, Gad Haggai, Judi Weinstein and Omer Neutra.
According to Reuters, official statement is still awaited from the White House.
According to a State Department spokesperson who spoke to Reuters, Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff is planning to return to the region in a bid to work out a way to either extend the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal or advance to the second phase.
Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Phase 2 Talks
Amid the negotiations for the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Israel on Wednesday has set new conditions for Hamas while continuing to block aid into the Gaza Strip.
The first phase of the Gaza ceasefire ended on March 2, 2025. As soon as this phase ended, Israel announced it would be blocking all goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip as Hamas refused to accept an extension of the first phase.
"In light of Hamas’ refusal to accept the (US envoy Steve) Witkoff framework for continuing the talks — which Israel had agreed to — Prime Minister Netanyahu has decided that as of this morning, all entry of goods and supplies into the Gaza Strip will be stopped," read the official statement issued by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
As per reports, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar has stated that Tel Aviv wants the "total demilitarisation of Gaza and return of all hostages by Hamas and the Islamic Jihad."
Speaking to reporters at a press conference, the Israeli minister said that if Hamas agrees to these demands, the ceasefire deal for phase two can be "implemented tomorrow."
Justifying the aid blockade, Gideon Sa’ar further stated that Hamas was exploiting the aid for its own purposes, and humanitarian aid has become the "number one budget income" for the militant group.
