Trump now talking directly to Hamas to secure release of American-Israeli captives

Admin I Wednesday, March 05, 2025
QATER – President Donald Trump has gone ahead of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel to engage in direct talks with the Islamic Resistant Movement, Hamas to facilitate release of American-Israeli captives.
Trump who is reported to have dispatched a delegation to Qater took the initiative following the decision of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu not move into Phase II of the ceasefire agreement and prisoners exchange deal.
Hamas on the other hand has called on the international community to prevail on Israel to go into Phase II as outlined in the deal.
Phase II requires the Israeli Defence Forces, IDF to withdraw from the Gaza Strip and release of the remaining captives.
But Israel is seeking extension of Phase I which has expired to arm twist Hamas to release the remaining captives perhaps to pave way for resumption of bombing of the Gaza Strip.