Why the US is holding talks with Hamas - Huckabee named the reason

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee explained that direct contacts with Hamas are not negotiations but serve to convey a tough demand to disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip without intermediaries. Huckabee emphasized that the US still considers Hamas a terrorist organization and supports Israel's right to fight it.

US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee commented on the discontent over direct contacts between American representatives and Hamas, which also spread to him. In response to criticism from relatives of the fallen from the "Gvura Forum," Huckabee explained that the meeting was not negotiations. The American side sought to directly convey a clear message to Hamas without resorting to intermediaries — the Qataris, Egyptians, or Turks. The US conveyed to the militants a demand to fulfill previously undertaken obligations, primarily to disarm and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Huckabee emphasized that the group must realize that it has no future in the enclave. The ambassador urged not to perceive the meeting as a change in American policy. He confirmed that the US still considers Hamas a terrorist organization, not a legitimate government, and recalled the October 7 attack. Washington continues to support Israel's right to fight Hamas and has not criticized Israeli operations. Huckabee noted that the US harbors no illusions about the group and does not expect a change in its position.