Hamas is in talks with the U.S. administration regarding a Gaza ceasefire and entry of humanitarian aid to the enclave, a senior Palestinian official familiar with the discussions told Reuters on Sunday. A senior Hamas official confirmed the report to Al-Jazeera, saying that the talks have been ongoing for "several days."
In response to an inquiry from Ynet, the White House did not deny reports of indirect contact with Hamas. A State Department official said, “We cannot comment on ongoing negotiations, but we note recent statements from Qatar and Egypt indicating their continued efforts to reach an agreement. Brett McGurk and his team remain involved in these efforts.”
The official added: “Hamas bears sole responsibility for the war and for renewed hostilities. We seek peace and the immediate release of all hostages. Our approach remains steadfast: stand with Israel and work toward peace. President Trump has made clear the costs Hamas will face if it continues to hold hostages — including American citizen Edan Alexander and the bodies of four other Americans.”
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told lawmakers that Hamas may release U.S.-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander in the coming days as a possible gesture toward U.S. President Donald Trump, according to several people who attended a closed session of the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee.
“Critical days are ahead,” Netanyahu was quoted as saying. “I can’t elaborate on everything. There may be a gesture,” he reportedly added, referencing the possibility of a "Part A" of the White House-backed deal currently being pursued by mediators.
Some committee members said Netanyahu delivered the remarks in a disorganized and unclear manner, leaving uncertainty about whether he was referring to the release of multiple living hostages or only a limited group, possibly as part of a phased agreement.
Edan Alexander, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, has been held captive in Gaza since the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel. His grandmother, Verda Ben Baruch, has been one of the most vocal advocates for his release.
Earlier today, NBC reported that U.S. President Donald Trump is pulling away from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as deepening divisions over Iran, Gaza and Yemen reshape the once-close relationship between the two leaders.
Citing U.S. and Middle Eastern officials familiar with the matter, NBC reported that Trump recently made two public remarks that alarmed Netanyahu, especially his statement that he had not yet decided whether Iran would be allowed to enrich uranium as part of a potential new nuclear deal. Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer relayed the prime minister’s frustration directly to Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, during a meeting at the White House, the report said.
According to NBC, Netanyahu was also dismayed by Trump’s broader shift toward diplomacy over confrontation with Tehran. Israeli officials said the prime minister had hoped to secure American backing for a possible Israeli military strike on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure during a White House visit last month. Instead, Trump reportedly told Netanyahu he was open to direct negotiations with Iran — a position Netanyahu privately dismissed as a "waste of time," according to the report.
The NBC report paints a picture of mounting Israeli concern that the U.S. is abandoning its hardline approach to Iran. Israeli officials reportedly warned that any deal allowing uranium enrichment would be unacceptable, arguing that Iran is weakened and now is the time to eliminate its nuclear capabilities. They worry that diplomatic talks could close that window.
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Gaza has emerged as another flashpoint. NBC cited American officials who said Trump was frustrated by Israel’s decision to launch a new offensive, which he views as undermining his administration’s plan to rehabilitate the territory. Trump reportedly referred to the campaign as a "wasted effort" that would make reconstruction more difficult.
The third area of dispute centers on Yemen. According to NBC, Netanyahu was blindsided when Trump announced that the U.S. would halt military operations against the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels once they agreed to stop attacking shipping lanes. The announcement came just hours after Israel carried out a major strike on Sanaa’s airport, following a Houthi missile that landed near Ben Gurion Airport.