A senior Hamas figure in Gaza has accused US President Donald Trump of “blatant double standards” in his demand for the immediate release of hostages still held in Gaza – but told CNN that Hamas’ direct meetings with US officials “aim to achieve stability in the region.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not informed of the talks before they took place and was caught off guard, said an Israeli with knowledge of the matter.

Dermer fumes at Boehler for discussing number of prisoners Israel would release for American hostages without Netanyahu's consent; Israel had warned against such a meet in February The post Netanyahu confidant ‘lashed out’ at US envoy over direct talks with Hamas — official appeared first on The Times of Israel.