The US is engaged in a direct meeting with Hamas as negotiations on a ceasefire agreement between Palestinian armed groups and Israel hang in threads.
“These are ongoing consultations and discussions. We don’t go into detail here. There’s American life.
“To interact, interact and speak with people around the world for the best interests of the American people is what the President has proven is what he believes.
Adam Berler, a Trump candidate to become a special envoy on Trump’s hostage issue, took part in a direct meeting with Hamas.
Hamas officials cited by AFP news agency confirmed negotiations with Israeli US prisoners of war in Gaza.
The United States previously publicly refused direct contact with Palestinian groups since banning them as a “terrorist” organization in 1997.
Israel said it had been consulted by the US about the in-person meeting.
Israeli officials say about 24 live prisoners, including American citizen Edan Alexander, and at least 35 bodies, are still believed to be still being held in Gaza.
Reported from Jordan, Hamdasarv of Al Jazeera said that both sides discussed prisoners of war held in Gaza.
“We understand that this is to ensure the acquisition of the remains of Israeli-American prisoners still being held in Gaza and the body of one Israeli person who is held captive by US citizens who are believed to be alive.
“Americans say their envoys have the power to negotiate with anyone. And it’s not just prisoners of war who hold American citizenship, but it’s also to end the war,” she said.
A fragile ceasefire
Confirmation of consultations comes days after the first phase of the Israeli Hamas ceasefire expires, with Israel pushing for an extension, and Hamas advocating for progress into the second phase of the deal agreed in January.
In the first phase, Hamas released 33 hostages in exchange for Hamas to release more than 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and detainees.
Israel said the proposal to extend the first phase of the armistice was drafted by US envoy in the Middle East, Steve Witkov.
The new plan requires Hamas to release half of the remaining prisoners in exchange for a promise to negotiate a ceasefire extension and a permanent ceasefire. Israel has not mentioned the release of more Palestinian prisoners, an important element of the first stage.