The US envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, has revealed details of his meetings with Hamas leaders, expressing optimism about reaching an agreement within weeks on the release of American detainees.
In an interview on CNN’s ‘State of the Union’, Boehler said, “I think there is a deal where they can get all of the prisoners,” expressing hope that progress on Gaza and detainees could be achieved “within weeks.”
The US envoy acknowledged Israeli concerns over his direct discussions with Hamas but described the meeting as very helpful in understanding the group’s stance.
“We’re the United States. We’re not an agent of Israel,” he added.
“We have specific interests at play, and we did communicate back and forth.”
He further stated that a possible scenario could be envisioned where detainees from both sides would be released, a long-term ceasefire would be reached, Hamas would be disarmed, and the group would step aside from governing Gaza.
“I will say that I believe there is enough there to make a deal between what Hamas wants and what they have accepted and what Israel wants and it’s accepted.”
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