During an Oval Office signing ceremony, U.S. President Donald Trump confirmed that his country held talks with Hamas regarding the release of hostages. Trump emphasized that the discussions were aimed at helping Israel and were not related to Hamas itself. He stated, “We are talking to Hamas. We are helping Israel in these talks because we are talking about Israeli hostages.”

Trump revealed that he met a group previously held captive by Hamas and described the stories he heard as incredible, alleging mistreatment of hostages by Hamas.

Pointing out that the Biden administration failed to bring back the hostages, Trump reminded that his administration initiated the release of hostages.

In response to a question, Trump confirmed the talks between the U.S. and Hamas, saying, “We are talking to Hamas. We are helping Israel in these talks. We are not doing anything related to Hamas. I see this as helping Israel.”

Regarding any ransom paid to bring back the hostages, Trump stressed that there is a difference between talks and paying a ransom.

It was first reported by Axios in the U.S. that the country had direct contacts with Hamas, based on information from two sources knowledgeable of secret negotiations. According to the sources speaking to Axios, U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, was leading the talks and had met with Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar, in recent weeks. There are an estimated 59 Israeli captives in Gaza, with five of them being American citizens.

Hamas has stated that if an agreement is reached with Israel for the release of remaining captives, they will hand over the living hostages. In return, Israel will release more Palestinian prisoners, and Israeli forces will completely withdraw from the Gaza Strip. Additionally, Hamas will deliver the lifeless bodies of deceased hostages to Israel after the second phase.