Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs under President Donald Trump, expressed optimism after holding direct talks with leaders from the Hamas movement.
Speaking to CNN, Boehler acknowledged the Israeli anger over these discussions but emphasized that “the United States is not a client state of Israel,” and that it would work towards freeing all hostages from Gaza.
He added, “I believe something can be done within weeks. I would say that there is enough for a deal between what Hamas wants and what Israel has accepted, and what Israel wants and what Hamas has accepted. I believe there is a deal where they can release all hostages, not just Americans.”
Boehler described the conversations with Hamas as “extremely helpful” and a starting point for assessing the “realistic end goal” that the group is aiming to achieve.
“I believe there is hope, and you can see something like a long-term ceasefire, where hostages are released, Hamas lays down its weapons, and I think that’s a very close reality,” he added.
When asked whether he plans to meet with Hamas representatives again, Boehler expressed openness, saying, “You never know. Sometimes you’re in the area, and you meet with them.”
He further stated, “They don’t have horns growing out of their heads. They’re actually good men; men like us.”
Boehler also responded to reports suggesting he had a tense phone call with Israeli Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer before his talks with Hamas.
He said, “He doesn’t know me, and there are significant risks. He lives in a country where if a certain precedent is set, it could harm or help many others, so I understand the panic and concern, but I wasn’t upset.”
In other remarks to the Jerusalem Post, Boehler explained, “Direct engagement in talks with Hamas is not a concession; it’s a necessary step.”
He added, “We don’t think meeting someone is a concession. That’s not what concession means. Giving a billion dollars, like the previous administration did, more than a billion dollars to Iran, that’s a concession.”
