U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, who arrived in Saudi Arabia, communicated this evening (Tuesday) that the direct dialogue with Hamas was “a one-time event that has not yet yielded results.” His comments come amid understandings between the Israeli government and the U.S. administration regarding full coordination of all communications with the terrorist organization Hamas regarding the release of hostages held in Gaza.
U.S. President Donald Trump also addressed the issue of hostages in a tweet shared on his X account, where he linked an interview with retired U.S. General Blaine Holt, who stated, “Trump is very serious about the ultimatum given to Hamas for the release of all hostages in Gaza,” and that if they are not released, “Hamas will be forced to meet certain members of the U.S. special forces.”
Netanyahu: Dialogue with Hamas Will Be Fully Coordinated with Israel
During the Cabinet meeting held yesterday (Sunday), Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clarified that the issue has been “sharpened” and that all discussions taking place with Hamas will be fully coordinated with Israel. As a reminder, Trump’s envoy, Adam Boehler, recently met directly with senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya, who was involved in planning the October 7 attack and received an offer from Hamas for an extended ceasefire in exchange for security guarantees.
Boehler, who is managing the direct talks on behalf of the United States with the terrorist organization Hamas, also addressed Israeli criticism regarding the White House’s direct conversations with Hamas. “I understand Israeli anger,” he said, “but we are the United States, we have our own interests, and we are not acting as agents for Israel.”
Earlier, former U.S. ambassador David Friedman expressed strong criticism of the Trump administration and its direct dialogue with senior Hamas officials.
The Only Way to End the War
“In the past week, President Trump presented to Hamas a binary choice: release all hostages and surrender or face destruction. This is the only way to end the war. If I heard Adam Boehler correctly on the Sunday news programs, he took an unprecedented step to meet with Hamas to consider a third way,—whether a deal could be reached where Hamas ‘would not be involved’ in managing Gaza,” he wrote on his Twitter account. Adam, I know you mean well, but listen to your boss. The choice must remain binary,” he added.
Israeli Willingness for Flexibility in Negotiations
As previously reported, the Israeli delegation that left for Doha shows a willingness for flexibility in negotiations if a positive dynamic develops. Israel is working to achieve a comprehensive deal that includes not only American hostages but all 59 hostages held in Gaza.
U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff Expected to Join Talks
The White House envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, is expected to join the talks this week and apply pressure on both sides to reach a quick agreement. The discussions are focused on the proposed framework, which stipulates that half of the living hostages and the deceased will be released on the first day of the deal, and the rest will be released in exchange for agreeing to a permanent ceasefire.
Return to Increased Military Power in Gaza
Boehler, who is managing direct talks on behalf of the United States with the terrorist organization Hamas, also commented in an interview on the Israeli criticism of the White House’s direct talks with Hamas. “I understand the Israeli anger,” he stated, “but we are the United States, we have our own interests, and we are not acting as agents for Israel.”
In Israel, officials emphasize that if the talks do not bear fruit, there is also the option of returning to increased military action in Gaza. However, political sources express hope that diplomatic efforts will lead to a breakthrough that will result in the release of hostages and stabilization of the situation in Gaza.
