The Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas announced that it has held direct negotiations with the United States in recent days in Doha, reporting progress towards achieving a ceasefire in Gaza.
The announcement comes amid the stalemate in indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages held in Palestinian territory, AFP reports.
It comes ahead of a visit to the Middle East by US President Donald Trump, who is set to travel to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates from May 13-16.
The Gaza conflict was triggered by Hamas's unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, in southern Israel, near the border with the Gaza Strip, where the Palestinian movement seized power in 2007.
"Direct discussions have taken place in Doha between the Hamas leadership and the United States regarding a ceasefire, a prisoner exchange (Israeli hostages released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners), and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza," said a Hamas official on condition of anonymity. "The discussions are still ongoing," he added.
A second Hamas official stated that "progress has been made regarding the entry of aid into Gaza, a prisoner exchange, especially concerning (Israeli-American hostage) Edan Alexander, and the cessation of hostilities."
In early March, the United States confirmed unprecedented direct contacts with Hamas following consultations with Israel.
American news site Axios then announced that US special envoy Adam Boehler had direct discussions with Hamas in Doha.
After a two-month ceasefire, Israel resumed its offensive in the Gaza Strip on March 18, with the stated goal of eliminating Hamas and forcing the group to release the hostages taken during the October 7 attack.
Since March 2, the Israeli army has prohibited the entry of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip, a besieged territory where approximately 2.4 million inhabitants are facing a catastrophic humanitarian situation.