The US government has signaled a willingness to engage in talks with Hamas, the Islamist group controlling Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict. The move comes after years of policy, which prohibited direct communication with groups deemed terrorist organizations.
US President Donald Trump’s administration is seeking to understand what Hamas wants in exchange for the release of 59 American hostages still being held in Gaza. This approach contrasts with Trump’s previous rhetoric, which called for expelling Palestinians from Gaza and taking control of the enclave.
Hamas, founded in the late 1980s, has historically advocated for Israel’s destruction. However, in 2017, the group acknowledged its willingness to accept a Palestinian state within pre-1967 borders. The Israeli government’s goal is to remove Hamas from power and limit its ability to threaten Israel.
Analysts say that Hamas’ leadership abroad is open to stepping aside, as governance has become increasingly burdensome for the group. However, the central issue remains disarmament.
Hamas leaders have publicly stated their refusal to lay down arms until a meaningful political settlement is reached. Analysts believe that the US will need to tread carefully, given its lack of leverage over Hamas and concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The conflict in Gaza has resulted in widespread trauma and rejection of the two-state solution among Israelis. However, analysts argue that acknowledging the Palestinian state’s legitimacy could be a more compelling solution than current public opinion suggests.
Source: https://edition.cnn.com/2025/03/06/middleeast/israel-hamas-talks-analysis-intl/index.html