U.S. Envoy Steve Witkoff Plans Meeting with Hamas Official

Steve Witkoff, the U.S. envoy for peace missions, is preparing to meet with Khalil al-Hayya, the chief negotiator of Hamas. This meeting, as reported by two individuals familiar with the plans, signifies the Trump administration’s commitment to maintaining a dialogue with the group, despite its designation as a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.

The timing of the meeting remains uncertain, with sources indicating that it could occur soon. The two individuals, who requested anonymity to discuss sensitive matters, noted that plans may shift. A representative for Mr. Witkoff and Hamas officials declined to comment, and the White House did not respond to inquiries regarding the meeting.

Context of the Meeting

One of the primary topics Mr. Witkoff intends to discuss with Mr. al-Hayya is the ongoing cease-fire in Gaza. This cease-fire agreement, reached in October, facilitated an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners. Despite sporadic violence, the cease-fire has largely held. Previous meetings between Mr. Witkoff and Mr. al-Hayya took place, including a notable one in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, prior to the signing of this agreement. That meeting also included Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law, who played a key role in brokering the cease-fire.

During an interview that aired on October 19, 2023, on CBS’s “60 Minutes,” Mr. Witkoff expressed condolences to Mr. al-Hayya for the loss of his son, who died during an Israeli airstrike in September. He shared a personal connection by stating, “I told him that I had lost a son, and that we were both members of a really bad club, parents who have buried children.” Mr. Witkoff’s son, Andrew, died from an opioid overdose in 2011.

Previous Engagements with Hamas

Mr. Witkoff is not the first official from the Trump administration to engage with Hamas. In March, Adam Boehler, the U.S. envoy for hostage response, met with Hamas representatives multiple times in Qatar. These discussions focused on securing the release of a dual American-Israeli citizen held by the group, but did not yield a successful resolution.

This latest planned meeting underscores the complexities of U.S. diplomacy in the region and the ongoing challenges surrounding peace efforts. As the situation continues to evolve, the potential dialogue between Mr. Witkoff and Mr. al-Hayya could have significant implications for future negotiations and regional stability.