The Trump administration has engaged in direct talks with Hamas over the release of American hostages held in Gaza and the possibility of a broader peace deal, Axios reported on Wednesday.

The talks, led by US Presidential Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler, are the first known direct contact between the United States and Hamas since the United States designated the group as a terrorist organization in 1997.

The meetings, held in Doha in recent weeks, have focused primarily on the release of the American hostages, with discussions of a long-term truce and the release of additional hostages. No agreement has yet been reached. White House envoy Steve Witkoff was scheduled to visit Doha for further talks but canceled the trip after seeing no progress from Hamas, according to a U.S. official.

According to Axios, the Israeli consul general in New York, Ofir Akunis, responded to the report by saying, “They can talk to Hamas, that’s fine.” In an interview with Fox Business, Akunis expressed support for the White House’s efforts, adding, “If the White House wants to talk directly to Hamas and put pressure on them to release more hostages, we’d be happy to see more hostages with their families.”

The Trump administration’s approach has departed from President Biden’s, which included threats of dire consequences for Hamas and a focus on military action. Direct talks with Hamas, especially without coordination with Israel, represent a shift in American diplomatic strategy.

US President Trump pledged in his speech to Congress on Tuesday to bring home the American detainees in Gaza.