The Trump administration is engaging in direct talks with the terrorist group Hamas over the release of still-held U.S. hostages in the Gaza Strip, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday.

U.S. officials have had “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials, White House press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed Wednesday, as the ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas hangs in the balance.

The talks marked a significant departure from previous negotiations involving the United States and Hamas, which the U.S. government has for decades designated as a terrorist group.

The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with Hamas on the possibility of releasing U.S. hostages being held in Gaza, a source briefed on the conversations told Reuters.

FILE PHOTO: A hostage who was released from captivity in Gaza as part of the hostages-prisoners swap and a ceasefire deal between Hamas and Israel, arrives at Sourasky Medical Center (Ichilov) in Tel Aviv, Israel February 22, 2025. REUTERS/Ronen Zvulun/File Photo

The meetings were held in secrecy between US presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials. Israel was not informed of what was discussed at these direct meetings as the Axios report said that Israel learnt "about aspects of the talks through other channels".

The publication said its sources had direct knowledge of the discussions. It would mark the first time the U.S. has engaged directly with Hamas, a designated terror organization. Axios reported that the talks are being held by Adam Boehler,

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