The direct engagement comes as continuation of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains uncertain. Trump has signaled that he has no intentions of pushing Netanyahu away from a return to combat if Hamas doesn’t agree to terms of a new ceasefire proposal, which the Israelis have billed as being drafted by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff.

US officials have had “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said. Confirmation of the talks in the Qatari capital Doha come as the Israel-Hamas ceasefire remains in the balance.

The US on Wednesday confirmed unprecedented direct talks with Hamas on the release of hostages, as Israel threatened to renew its military campaign in Gaza despite a fragile ceasefire.