US President Donald Trump confirmed that a senior US official “recently” held direct talks with the Palestinian movement “Hamas“ about the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza, Reuters reported, quoted by BTA.
At the same time, “Hamas“ threatened to kill the hostages if the Israeli army resumes fighting in Gaza, DPA reported.
“Any escalation of aggression will lead to the killing of a certain number of those kidnapped,“ Hamas spokesman Abu Obeida said in a video message. He added that Israel is responsible for the deaths of the hostages in Gaza, as well as for not adhering to the enclave deal.
According to Israeli information, the Islamists are holding 24 hostages and 35 bodies of dead hostages in the Gaza Strip. Among the bodies are those of foreigners, and among the living hostages are an Israeli-German soldier and a Thai citizen.
Trump's Middle East adviser Steve Witkoff said that direct US discussions with representatives of “Hamas“ have taken place in recent days and the message to the Palestinian group has been that the US wants to return the hostages home.
Witkoff also said that the US does not believe “Hamas“ is being truthful. His comments came after reports emerged that top US hostage negotiator Adam Boehler had met with Hamas officials in Doha to try to secure the release of hostages held in Gaza.
Witkoff told reporters at the White House that the release of Eden Alexander, 21, of New Jersey, who is believed to be the last living American hostage held by Hamas in Gaza, was a "top priority for the United States."
Witkoff said he would travel to the Middle East next week with planned stops in four countries.