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(VIN) US hostage envoy Adam Boehler has defended his controversial direct talks with officials from Hamas, describing them as “pretty nice guys” despite growing criticism from Israeli officials. Boehler, who held secret meetings with Hamas leaders, acknowledged the sensitivity of the talks, noting the concerns raised by Israel, but reiterated that the U.S. was acting on its own behalf, not as an agent of Israel.
Speaking in a CNN interview, Boehler addressed the backlash from Israeli officials, including Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who had expressed discomfort over the meetings. “Look, they don’t have horns growing out of their head. They’re actually guys like us,” Boehler said, referring to Hamas members. He continued, “They’re actually pretty nice guys,” a statement that has raised eyebrows given Hamas’ history of violence and terrorism.
Despite his friendly portrayal of Hamas leaders, Boehler emphasized that the U.S. was not siding with the terrorist group. “We’re the United States. We’re not an agent of Israel. We have specific interests at play,” he said, defending his role in the negotiations.
Boehler also pointed to a potential breakthrough in the hostage crisis, stating that a deal could be reached within weeks to release all hostages held by Hamas, not just American citizens. “There is enough there to make a deal between what Hamas wants and what they’ve accepted, and what Israel wants and it’s accepted,” Boehler said. He expressed optimism that the situation could be resolved, noting the possibility of a long-term truce.
Boehler took a moment to acknowledge the American hostages held by Hamas, though he mispronounced the name of Edan Alexander, the sole surviving American hostage, as “Adi.” He also praised Israel’s efforts to weaken Hamas and other groups, suggesting that the groundwork for peace was now in place.
The U.S. envoy left the door open for further talks, stating, “You never know. Sometimes you’re in the area, and you drop by.” While his remarks about Hamas have stirred controversy, Boehler remains hopeful that a deal could be struck soon, despite the complexity of the ongoing negotiations.
The situation remains fluid, and it is unclear whether Boehler’s approach will lead to a successful resolution, or whether it will further complicate the already tense relationship between the U.S. and Israel. The coming weeks will likely determine whether these unprecedented talks yield results or backfire.
