The US is holding direct negotiations with Hamas, the White House confirmed, in what is believed to be an effort to secure the release of American hostages.

Meetings are said to have taken place in Qatar between Adam Boehler, Donald Trump’s envoy for hostage affairs, and the Islamist organisation, the first time direct negotiations have taken place since the US designated Hamas a terrorist organisation in 1997.

Karoline Leavitt, Mr Trump’s press secretary, confirmed on Wednesday that talks had been held, telling reporters it was “in the best interest” for the American people.

Ms Leavitt did not confirm if the discussions related to the release of hostages but added that: “There were American lives on the line.”

Hamas believed to hold five Americans

It comes as the formal talks with Israel appeared stuck in stalemate over the issue of the IDF withdrawal from Gaza and the political future of the enclave. Axios later reported that Benjamin Netanyahu’s office had acknowledged the discussions had taken place between the US and Hamas.

Hamas is believed to hold five Americans – although only one, 21-year-old Edan Alexander, is alive.

Born in New Jersey, the 19-year-old at the time of the massacre was serving in the IDF while captured.