US envoy says talks with Hamas ‘very helpful’, captive deal possible ‘within weeks’

CAIRO – 9 March 2025: US President Donald Trump's captive envoy, Adam Boehler, stated on Sunday that his recent meetings with Hamas regarding the release of captives held in Gaza were “very helpful,” stating that a deal can be reached “within weeks.”

"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 said during an interview on CNN's "State of the Union."

Boehler noted that his recent conversations with Hamas leaders aimed to clarify the group's ultimate objectives in an effort to bring an end to the war.

"What I wanted to do is jump start some negotiations that were in a very fragile place. And I wanted to say to Hamas, what is the end game that you want here?"

Boehler was in charge of unprecedented direct talks with Hamas last week, representing a significant departure from the US longstanding policy of avoiding direct engagement with the movement.

Five Americans are believed to be among the 59 captives still held by Hamas in Gaza including at least 22 who are still alive.

Of the five Americans, four have been confirmed dead by Israeli authorities, while Edan Alexander is believed to be alive.

The ceasefire, brokered by Egypt, Qatar, and the US, halted a war that has claimed the lives of over 48,000 Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023.

It also allowed for the release of 38 captives held by Hamas, including 30 living individuals, in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.