Washington: The U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, Adam Boehler, who recently held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas, has expressed optimism that an agreement for the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza could be reached within weeks.
In an interview with CNN on Sunday, March 9, Boehler described his discussions with Hamas as "very productive" and did not rule out the possibility of further direct meetings. He acknowledged Israel’s concerns about U.S. engagement with Hamas but stated that the talks were aimed at initiating negotiations.
"In the end, I believe it was a useful meeting. I think an agreement could be reached in the coming weeks, one that would see not only Americans but all hostages released," Boehler said.
Responding to Israel's concerns, Boehler asserted, "We are the United States. We are not agents of Israel." He also admitted that sitting down with Hamas, a group the U.S. officially designates as a terrorist organization, was not an easy step.
"When you sit face-to-face with someone responsible for past actions, it is very difficult," Boehler said, adding that recognizing the human aspect of all parties involved is important.
His comments come at a time when both Hamas and Israel have shown willingness to engage in a second phase of ceasefire negotiations.
Hamas spokesman Abdul Latif al-Qanou stated on Sunday that positive signs had emerged regarding the resumption of negotiations, following meetings between Hamas representatives and mediators in Cairo. However, he did not provide further details.
On Saturday, a high-level Hamas delegation met with Egyptian officials to discuss the possibility of a second phase of the ceasefire. The group emphasized its commitment to securing the rights of the Palestinian people and urged mediators to ensure that Israel upholds its commitments from the first phase of the ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office announced that an Israeli delegation would travel to Doha, Qatar, on Monday to participate in the negotiations. The statement confirmed that Israel had accepted an invitation from mediators backed by the United States.
The first phase of the ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, and Qatar, took effect in early January and officially ended on March 1. Despite the ceasefire's expiration, major hostilities between Israel and Hamas have largely remained subdued.
Israel had initially sought to extend the first phase of the ceasefire until mid-April, while Hamas insisted on launching negotiations for a second phase that could potentially lead to a permanent truce.
During the first phase, Hamas released 25 live hostages and handed over the remains of eight others. In exchange, Israel freed approximately 1,800 Palestinian prisoners from its jails.
