U.S. has directly engaged in talks with Hamas regarding hostage release and a possible ceasefire. White House confirmed this on Wednesday marking the first such discussion since U.S. designated Hamas as a terrorist group in 1997.

Gaza Food Shortage: Food prices in Gaza have skyrocketed due to Israel blocking aid entry. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned that its remaining food supplies would last less than two weeks.

With at least 80 community organizations providing food aid in Gaza, continued restrictions could make it impossible to sustain residents.

U.S. also rejected an Arab-led reconstruction plan for Gaza. White House National Security Council spokesperson Bryan Hughes stated that plan failed to address the real situation as Gaza remains uninhabitable, filled with rubble and unexploded ordnance.

Read more: Trump Issues Final Warning to Hamas – Pledges Full Military Support to Israel

Israel previously dismissed the Arab nations’ emergency meeting claiming it ignored the realities after October 2023. Given these conditions U.S. has engaged in direct discussions with Hamas, potentially addressing both hostage negotiations and broader ceasefire efforts.