A senior Hamas official tells Newsweek that the Palestinian militant group saw "positive" potential in signs of a growing rift between President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, after offering the U.S. leader a political win in the form of an American hostage release ahead of his Middle East trip.

Both Al Jazeera and Reuters are reporting that Hamas and the US are directly discussing a ceasefire and the entry of humanitarian aid into Gaza.

A senior Palestinian official confirmed that two meetings have taken place. Israel has not commented.

Despite American pressure, Israel sticks to rigid terms as deadly airstrikes continue across Gaza during US President Trump’s regional visit - Anadolu Ajansı

Follow the latest on Trump's Gulf trip US President Donald Trump’s Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff held direct talks with Hamas leaders in Qatar on Wednesday, sources told The National. The meeting was a first between the real estate magnate and representatives of the militant Palestinian group,

Gaza rescuers said at least 80 people were killed in Israeli bombardment across the Palestinian territory on Wednesday, as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to US envoy Steve Witkoff