The talks marked a significant departure for the United States, which has generally refused to talk directly with groups Washington has designated as terrorist organizations.

The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with the militant Palestinian group Hamas to try to secure the release of U.S. hostages seized in Israel and held in Gaza, two sources briefed on the conversations told Reuters.

The meetings were held in secrecy between US presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler and Hamas officials. Israel was not informed of what was discussed at these direct meetings as the Axios report said that Israel learnt "about aspects of the talks through other channels".

Israel was consulted prior to the talks, according to the White House, after reports said the two sides were discussing the release of hostages.

In rare interview with Israeli media, top Qatari official tells ToI that it's up to Palestinians to decide on Gaza postwar role for Hamas, even as calls for ousting terror group grow

The Trump administration has been conducting secret talks with Hamas to try to secure the release of U.S. hostages held in Gaza, sources told Reuters.

DOHA: Qatar on Wednesday (Mar 5) rebuffed what it said were "false accusations" by Israel's domestic security agency attributing funds from the Gulf state to an increase in Hamas'

Gulf state says no Qatari money went to terror group's political or military wing, stresses that yearslong payments to Strip were made with consent of Israel, including Shin Bet

US President Donald Trump has issued an ultimatum to Hamas, warning that there will be "hell to pay" if all remaining captives are not released. He also suggested that he was sending Israel weapons to "finish the job".

A rarely discussed Qatari influence operation has forged ties with elite U.S. universities as it pushes anti-American and anti-Israel media to millions.