In a significant development for Middle East diplomacy, President Trump's peace envoy Steve Witkoff is preparing for imminent talks with Hamas's chief negotiator, according to sources familiar with the matter.
High-Stakes Diplomatic Engagement
Two sources with knowledge of Witkoff's travel plans have confirmed to the New York Times that the American envoy will meet with Khalil al-Hayya, Hamas's lead negotiator, though the exact timing remains uncertain and subject to change.
This forthcoming meeting demonstrates the White House's continued interest in maintaining communication channels with Hamas, despite the organisation being designated as a foreign terrorist group by the United States government.
The engagement also signals Witkoff's confidence that such negotiations won't legitimise the militant group in ways that might concern Washington policymakers.
History of Successful Mediation
This will not be the first encounter between Witkoff and al-Hayya. The two previously met in Egypt during October, just before a crucial ceasefire agreement was finalised.
That October meeting saw participation from Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who helped broker the deal that resulted in the release of all 20 remaining living Israeli hostages in exchange for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
The successful hostage swap marked one of the most significant diplomatic achievements in the recent conflict, creating a foundation for future negotiations.
Personal Connections in Diplomacy
Witkoff brings personal experience of loss to the negotiating table, having lost his own son Andrew to an opioid overdose in 2011. During a September interview with CBS's '60 Minutes', the envoy revealed he had offered condolences to the Hamas official when al-Hayya's son was killed.
That personal connection occurred after the Israeli Air Force struck a base in Qatar where Hamas officials were meeting, adding a human dimension to the complex diplomatic relationship.
While a representative for Witkoff has declined to comment on the specific meeting plans, the preparation for these talks indicates the Trump administration's continued commitment to Middle East peace efforts, even when dealing with designated terrorist organisations.
