While the world closely follows indirect talks between Hamas and Israel, a surprising figure has emerged behind the scenes: Bshara Bahbah, a Palestinian-American academic, is acting as a secret mediator between Hamas and former U.S. President Donald Trump’s team.
YONI BEN MENACHEM -- Bahbah is working with Trump’s envoy, Steve Witkoff, and senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya in a secret channel based in Doha, with Qatari support. According to Axios and CNN, while official delegations are in Qatar, most serious negotiations are happening off the record—led by Bahbah, a discreet figure with global ties who has become trusted by both the Trump team and Hamas.
The talks aim to secure a 60-day humanitarian ceasefire in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. But insiders say this channel could pave the way for broader contact between a future Trump administration and Hamas.
Bahbah is not alone. Former U.S. officials, Qatari figures, and Republican operatives linked to Trump’s son-in-law’s family are involved. Trump reportedly sees a ceasefire and hostage release as a potential dramatic diplomatic win.