US envoy terms talks with Hamas 'helpful'
Adam Boehler, a Jewish American
The US hostage envoy who held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas said Sunday he was confident a deal could be reached "within weeks" to free all civilians still held by the Palestinian militants.
Speaking to CNN, Adam Boehler — a Jewish American — acknowledged it had been "odd" sitting face-to-face with leaders of a group that the United States has listed as a "terrorist" organization since 1997. The talks took place in recent weeks.
Boehler said he understood Israel's "consternation" that the US had held talks at all with the group, but said he had been seeking to jump-start the "fragile" negotiations.
"In the end, I think it was a very helpful meeting," he said, adding: "I think something could come together within weeks... I think there is a deal where they can get all of the prisoners out, not just the Americans."
Boehler suggested there was a chance of further talks with the militants, telling CNN: "You never know. You know sometimes you're in the area and you drop by."
The first phase of a truce revolving around the release of some hostages ended earlier this month, and both sides are disputing when to move into the second phase, which aims at a more permanent peace.
Last week, US President Donald Trump threatened further destruction of Gaza if all remaining hostages were not released, issuing what he called a "last warning" to Hamas leaders.
"I understand the consternation and the concern" on Israel's part at the talks, Boehler said, adding: "We're the United States. We're not an agent of Israel."
He described his feelings on sitting across from the militants.
"I think when you walk and you sit in front of somebody, and you know what they've done, it's hard not to think of it," he said.
He said it was important to identify with their humanity, but admitted, "It definitely feels a little odd knowing what they really are."
Meanwhile, Israel carried out an air strike on militants in northern Gaza on Sunday and ordered to stop supplying electricity to Gaza, a week after Israel blocked all aid into the war-ravaged Palestinian territory.
"I have just signed the order to stop supplying electricity immediately to the Gaza Strip," said Israel's Energy Minister Eli Cohen.
"We will use all the tools at our disposal to bring back the hostages and ensure that Hamas is no longer in Gaza the day after" the war, added Cohen.
Despite the end of the truce's initial phase a week ago, both sides have refrained from returning to all-out war, though there have been sporadic episodes of violence. Sunday's air strike was the latest of daily strikes reported by Israel since Thursday.
The Palestinian militant group has repeatedly called for an immediate start to negotiations on the ceasefire's second phase, which was negotiated by the United States, Qatar and Egypt aiming to bring a permanent end to the war.
Israel says it prefers an extension of phase one until mid-April, and cut off aid to Gaza over the impasse.
Hamas representatives met mediators in Cairo over the weekend, emphasising the urgent need to resume humanitarian aid deliveries to the territory "without restrictions or conditions", a Hamas statement said.
"We call on mediators in Egypt and Qatar, as well as the guarantors in the US administration, to ensure that the occupation complies with the agreement... and proceeds with the second phase according to the agreed-upon terms," said Hamas spokesman, Hazem Qassem.