US holding first-ever bilateral talks with Hamas – Washington Examiner
Teh United States is engaging in its first-ever direct bilateral talks with Hamas, departing from its typical approach that includes mediation for communications with the terrorist group. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt announced that President Donald Trump is overseeing these discussions, highlighting a commitment to what is deemed beneficial for American interests, notably in the context of hostage negotiations.
The U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, is leading the negotiations, an unprecedented move that signifies a potential shift in U.S. policy towards direct engagement with foreign terrorist organizations.Leavitt emphasized the necessity of dialog for American lives at stake and confirmed that Israel was informed about these talks.
In tandem with these diplomatic efforts, the U.S. is navigating a fragile peace deal between Israel and Hamas amidst proposals for the long-term governance of Gaza, which have faced rejection from various Middle Eastern nations. Specifically,a U.S. plan aiming to develop Gaza into a major hub has been criticized and opposed, particularly due to its implications for Palestinian residents and the presence of Hamas. Egypt has also proposed an option reconstruction plan, which has been met with skepticism from Israel regarding its feasibility and application. this situation reflects the complexities involved in U.S. foreign policy regarding the Middle East and its various stakeholders.
US holding first-ever bilateral talks with Hamas
The United States is holding bilateral discussions with Hamas, breaking with standard operations that typically include a mediator for communications with the terrorist group.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday during a press conference that President Donald Trump is overseeing the talks, calling it the “right thing for the American people.”
“There are American lives on the line,” Leavitt told reporters, asserting that the White House is open to “dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people.”
“The special envoy who is engaged in these negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone,” she said.
Reuters reported earlier that sources claim that the U.S. special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, is spearheading the communications.
This arrangement is unprecedented, diverging from the U.S. government’s long-standing policy of not negotiating directly with foreign terrorist organizations. It is the first instance of such communications with Hamas.
Leavitt said in her White House press conference that Israel was consulted and made aware of the initiative.
The peace deal between Israel and Hamas is fragile as the U.S. works to mediate next steps for the people of the Gaza Strip.
A plan proposed by the White House that would place Gaza in the long-term care of the U.S. is being rejected as unacceptable by various Middle Eastern powers.
The proposal would remove Palestinian residents in Gaza from their homes and fund the development of the area into what the president calls “the Riviera of the Middle East.”
Egypt recently offered an alternative $53 billion proposal for the reconstruction of Gaza at an emergency summit of Arab states in Cairo.
The Israeli foreign ministry said in a statement that Egypt’s plan was “rooted in outdated perspectives,” criticizing the proposal’s reliance on the Palestinian Authority and the continued presence of Hamas.
A source close to Saudi Arabia’s royal court said the primary stumbling block was the plan allowing for the continued armed presence of Hamas despite sidelining the U.S.-designated terrorist organization from the governing body.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
*As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases
Now loading...