Hamas confirms holding direct talks with the United States in Doha

Representatives of the Palestinian Hamas movement held direct talks with American officials in Doha before the completion of the first phase of the ceasefire agreement in Gaza. This was stated on March 8 by the secretary of the Hamas political Bureau, Taher al-Nounou.

"We held several meetings with American officials in Doha, this happened before the end of the first phase of the gas agreement," he said in an interview with Al Ekhbariya TV channel.

The Hamas representative did not provide any other details.

Phase two shift: Israel and Hamas plan to extend truce deal

At the same time, Tel Aviv refuses to fulfill one of the key conditions of the first stage of the agreements.

Earlier, on March 5, it was reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump is conducting non-public direct negotiations with Hamas on the release of American hostages held in Gaza and the possibility of a deal to end the conflict. Adam Beler, the US President's special envoy for hostage affairs, has held several meetings with Hamas representatives in recent weeks in Doha.