Israel says has conveyed to Washington stance on US-Hamas talks over hostages

JERUSALEM - Israel said on Wednesday that it has conveyed to Washington its position on direct talks between the United States and Hamas regarding the release of American hostages being held in the Gaza Strip.

"In discussions with the United States, Israel has expressed its position on direct negotiations between the US and Hamas," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement, providing no further information.

Earlier in the day, the White House confirmed that the United States is in direct negotiations with Hamas on the possibility of releasing American hostages held in Gaza, with the US side led by special envoy Adam Boehler.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "Israel was consulted on this matter," adding, "Dialogue (with) and talking to people around the world to do what's in the best interest of the American people is something that the president (Donald Trump) ... believes is (a) good-faith effort to do what's right for the American people."

She stressed that Boehler "does have the authority to talk to anyone."

This direct talks between the US envoy for hostage affairs and Hamas officials in Doha, Qatar is the first ever of its kind, as Washington, who designated Hamas as a terrorist group, upholds a policy of banning any dealing with terrorists.