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Hamas on Sunday confirmed it has held direct negotiations with the United States in recent days in Doha, saying talks focused on a potential ceasefire in Gaza, the release of hostages and detainees, and the delivery of humanitarian aid into the besieged enclave.
The group announced it is prepared to release Edan Alexander, a 21-year-old Israeli soldier and dual US citizen, as part of ongoing efforts to secure a ceasefire and reopen aid crossings. “Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire,” Hamas said in a statement.
Alexander's family said he would be released in the coming days, according to AFP.
A senior Hamas official confirmed that "direct talks have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States" and added that discussions remain ongoing. A second official noted some progress, particularly on the entry of humanitarian aid and a possible prisoner-hostage exchange.
The negotiations come amid continued fighting in Gaza, which escalated after the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. Israeli authorities reported that 1,218 people were killed in that assault. In response, Israel launched a large-scale military campaign and has maintained pressure by restricting humanitarian access to the enclave. The Israeli military states that 58 hostages are still being held, including 34 believed to have died.
A previous ceasefire, which lasted two months, ended on March 18 when Israel resumed military operations across Gaza.
Indirect talks—mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States—have taken place for months, but have so far failed to bring about a lasting truce.
The U.S. had long avoided direct engagement with Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization, but initiated limited direct communication in March. The recent Doha meetings mark a continuation of that shift.
Hamas has rejected proposals that fall short of a full cessation of hostilities. On April 18, the group turned down an Israeli offer that included a 45-day truce and a partial prisoner-hostage exchange.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, at least 2,720 people have died since Israel resumed its offensive in March, bringing the total reported death toll in Gaza since the war began to 52,829.
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