Olusegun Ariyo
The United States has confirmed talks with Hamas regarding the hostages held in Gaza.
The White House press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, said Israel was consulted before the talks.
Leavitt disclosed this while addressing journalists during a press conference.
Washington has until now avoided direct engagement with Hamas, and there is a longstanding US policy against having direct contact with groups it lists as terrorist organisations.
It is believed that the talks between the two sides could lead to the release of hostages and an end to the war.
Recently, Hamas released some hostages to Israel but returned the bodies of a mother and her two children.
Commenting, Israel’s Consul General in New York, Ofir Akunis, said the President Donald Trump administration has been holding secret, direct talks with Hamas.
Speaking with Fox News, Akunis said: “There is a new attitude from the White House against Hamas. They can talk with Hamas, that’s okay.
“President Trump actually changed the whole idea. Instead of putting Israel under pressure, President Trump is putting Hamas under pressure, and this is the right thing to do.
“If the White House wants to talk directly to Hamas and put them under pressure to release more hostages, we will be very happy to see more hostages reunited with their families.
“If it’s a direct negotiation with Hamas, more than welcome.”
