The US has been engaging in talks with Hamas through an American intermediary in Doha, according to a source familiar with the matter. This development comes as US officials express growing frustration with Israel’s handling of the conflict. President Donald Trump is eager to broker an Israel-Gaza ceasefire agreement, with Bishara Bahbah, a key figure in the talks, remotely exchanging messages with Hamas earlier this year to secure the release of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander.
Key Players and Their Roles
- Bishara Bahbah: The American-Palestinian intermediary leading the talks on the US side, who has been working on behalf of the Trump administration.
- Dennis Ross: A former US envoy to the Middle East, who believes the direct channel between the US and Hamas indicates a potential for real negotiations.
- Aaron David Miller: A senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, who questions whether this channel will lead to a breakthrough, given Bahbah’s limited experience and Hamas’s decision-makers being based in Gaza.
- Steve Witkoff: The president’s Middle East envoy, who has been coordinating efforts with Bahbah and recently put forward a new proposal for a ceasefire.
US Concerns and Objectives
The Trump administration wants the war to end soon, with multiple sources suggesting the president has been “annoyed” with the pace of talks. Secretary of State Marco Rubio emphasized that Israel can achieve its objective of defeating Hamas while still allowing aid to enter Gaza in sufficient quantities. The US is pushing for humanitarian aid to continue flowing into Gaza, which Israel had blocked for nearly 11 weeks before acquiescing on Sunday.
“It tells me that they think they have a real negotiation happening. They want their own Hamas channel, not through Qatar or Egypt. That is an indicator that they think they can cut through the issues more effectively and also that they think they can influence Hamas,” said Dennis Ross.
Challenges and Skepticism
Some regional experts are skeptical about the potential for a breakthrough, given the complexities involved. National Security Council Spokesman Max Bluestein denied any frustration with Israel, stating, “Israel has had no better friend than President Trump.” However, Trump’s willingness to approach US foreign policy without direct adherence to Israel has been noted, including the announcement of a ceasefire with the Houthis and continued Iran deal talks.
Ultimately, the situation remains complex, with the Trump administration working to secure a Gaza ceasefire while prioritizing US interests in the region. As Rubio conceded, “Ultimately, I think we all see the same images,” referring to the emergency humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Israel-Gaza Ceasefire, if achieved, would bring a sigh of relief to the Palestinians and the world as a whole.