Karoline Leavitt explains US efforts to negotiate with Hamas to free American hostages

White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the U.S. efforts to negotiate with Hamas to release American hostages during a briefing on Wednesday.

There are currently five hostages with U.S. citizenship in Gaza, though most are feared dead. 

During the news conference, Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Leavitt how the plans to negotiate fall in line with the longstanding policy not to negotiate with terrorists.

"If the U.S. has a longstanding policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists, then why is the US now negotiating directly and for the first time ever with Hamas?" Doocy asked.

"Well, when it comes to the negotiations that you're referring to, first of all, the special envoy who's engaged in these negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone," Leavitt responded.

ISRAEL AGREES TO TRUMP ENVOY'S TEMPORARY GAZA CEASEFIRE EXTENSION PROPOSAL AS FIRST PHASE EXPIRES: REPORTS

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt takes questions from members of the news media in the briefing room at the White House, Wednesday, in Washington, D.C. (Reuters/Leah Millis)

She added that Israel was "consulted on this matter," and that President Donald Trump believes in putting forth "good faith effort[s] to do what's right for the American people."

"Is it just about the hostages, or are they also talking about the president's plan to take over?" Doocy asked.

"These are ongoing talks and discussions. I'm not going to detail them here," Leavitt said. "There are American lives at stake. I would refer you to the Department of State, for further details, but I'm not going to get into those talks here at this point."

HAMAS RELEASES MORE HOSTAGES IN EXCHANGE FOR MORE THAN 600  PALESTINIAN PRISONERS AS PART OF CEASEFIRE DEAL

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington, D.C., Wednesday. (Reuters/Kevin Lamarque)

In response to Leavitt's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement reading: "In talks with the United States, Israel expressed its view on direct talks with Hamas."

The latest comments come as the next stage of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas appears uncertain.  The White House has signaled support for the Israeli government's criticism of Hamas officials, including recently backing the decision to block aid to Gaza until Hamas leaders agree to a ceasefire extension. 

U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meet at the White House in Washington, D.C., Feb. 4, 2025. (REUTERS/Elizabeth Frantz)

In a statement obtained by Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said that Israel has "negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists."

"We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas has indicated it’s no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire," Hughes added.

Fox News' Yonat Friling contributed to this report.

Andrea Margolis is a writer for Fox News Digital and Fox Business. Readers can follow her on X at @andreamargs or send story tips to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..