Trump Envoy Calls Meeting with Hamas as 'Very Helpful'

Boehler, speaking on CNN’s State of the Union, expressed optimism about the situation, saying, “I think there is a deal where you get all the hostages freed,” adding that he believed the efforts could lead to a “long-term truce.”

Hamas is believed to still hold 24 living hostages captured during the Oct. 7, 2023, attack that ignited its war with Israel. The group is also in possession of the bodies of 34 individuals who were either killed during the initial assault or while in captivity, as well as the remains of a soldier killed in 2014.

While Boehler did not dismiss the possibility of further talks with Hamas, the meetings, which occurred despite Israeli opposition, were a break from long-standing U.S. policy of not negotiating with groups labeled as terrorist organizations.

Israeli official Ron Dermer had voiced concerns over Boehler’s direct engagement with Hamas, but the envoy emphasized that he was focused on achieving specific goals for the United States. "We're the United States. We're not an agent of Israel," Boehler said. "We have specific interests at play, and we communicated back and forth. I wanted to jump-start negotiations that were in a very fragile place."

Boehler’s discussions with Hamas were centered on finding a way to extend the expired truce and ultimately end the ongoing conflict, which has seen significant casualties—1,200 people killed in Hamas’s initial attack and more than 48,000 Palestinians during Israel's counteroffensive.

"I think it was a very helpful meeting," Boehler remarked. "It was valuable to hear both sides. My role was to encourage dialogue and explore a potential endgame."

When asked by CNN’s Jake Tapper, who noted Boehler’s Jewish heritage, how he felt speaking with Hamas, Boehler simply responded, "Whether they're good people or bad, it's part of my job."

These talks marked a shift in Washington's stance on negotiating with terrorist organizations, a policy the U.S. has held for decades. Boehler’s comments also touched on his ongoing mission to bring home American journalist Austin Tice, who has been missing in Syria for years. "I’m going to Syria, and I’m going to do the best I can to find out [if he’s alive]," Boehler said. "If he’s there, I’m bringing him home."

U.S. envoys are scheduled to visit the Middle East this week to continue discussions on a ceasefire in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has announced it is cutting off Gaza’s electricity supply, following a week of withholding aid to the territory.

Israel continues to pressure Hamas to agree to an extension of the first phase of their ceasefire, which expired a week ago.