Trump Administration Holds Direct Talks With Hamas

The special envoy has authority to "talk to anyone" and is engaged in negotiations with the terrorist organization.

The Trump administration is holding direct talks with Hamas militants.

The president has appointed a special messenger that has authority to “talk to anyone” and is engaged in negotiations with the terrorist organization. Israel was reportedly consulted on this matter.

“Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people, is something that the president has proven, what he believes is good-faith effort to do what’s right for the American people,” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

It’s not unprecedented for the U.S. to hold talks with designated terrorist groups, but it usually requires the president or secretary of state to waive restrictions in the national interest.