Reports in US media indicate that Adam Boehler, the Trump administration's Envoy for Hostage Affairs, has been removed from his role in Israeli issues due to controversial remarks made during media interviews. According to the reports, Republican members of Congress were taken aback by his conduct and statements regarding his discussions with Hamas, which they claim undermined his credibility and trustworthiness.
Boehler was interviewed by Fox News, CNN, and Israeli media, where he responded sarcastically to questions about his meetings with Hamas. In his CNN interview, he remarked that Israel refrained from direct talks with Hamas because it feared discovering that they "don't have horns growing out of their head. They're actually guys like us. They're pretty nice guys." He also dismissed criticism from Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer regarding talks with Hamas, adding that the US is "not an agent of Israel."
His statements provoked anger among pro-Israel Republicans, who pressured the Trump administration to remove him from the issue. Senior administration officials assured officials in Jerusalem and Republican lawmakers in Washington that Boehler would be taken off the matter, with one official stating that he had "completely lost confidence in him." However, some Republican legislators are pushing for his total dismissal, fearing further repercussions.
Meanwhile, Hamas spokesman Jihad Taha told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that the terrorist organization "appreciates the mediators' efforts," which confirm the necessity of compelling Israel to move to the second phase of the hostage deal. He stated that Hamas remains committed to the agreement and its implementation and is open to any issue that serves the Palestinians.
He added, "We hope the outcomes of the negotiations in Cairo and Doha will support the implementation of the agreement and obligate Israel to what was agreed upon." He went on to outline Hamas' demands, which include maintaining the ceasefire, Israel's withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, and a reconstruction process for Gaza.
The Qatari newspaper Al-Araby Al-Jadeed reported "positive signs" regarding the negotiations in Doha on extending the ceasefire in Gaza. Furthermore, Egyptian sources claimed that the Trump administration is beginning to explore solutions related to Egypt's plan for Gaza's reconstruction. One source stated that "American circles involved in the Gaza negotiations" have started reviewing Hamas' long-term ceasefire proposal.
