White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt (Photo: Reuters)

President Trump’s nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, Adam Boehler, participated in the talks this week with Hamas officials, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said.

Leavitt declined to provide detail on the substance of the talk, but said President Donald Trump has authorized his envoys to talk to anyone “to do what’s in the best interest of the American people.” She added that Israel has been consulted about the direct engagement with Hamas officials.

Hamas officials also confirmed direct talks with US envoys Special Envoy for Middle East Affairs Steve Witkoff and Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs Adam Boehler.

Meanwhile, the UN World Food Program (WFP) says it only has enough food supplies in the Gaza Strip to keep public kitchens and bakeries open for less than two weeks. The UN agency also warned that its fuel stocks would only last for a few weeks. Its warning came just days after  Israel announced it has blocked the entry of all humanitarian aid into Gaza as it demands Hamas agree to a US plan for a ceasefire extension.

Israel’s blockade and military offense in Gaza have forced the enclave’s 2.3 million residents to depend entirely on external aids through the Rafah border crossings.