Donald Trump’s special envoy to the Middle East has said the US does not believe Hamas has been forthright during their recent discussions.

It was yesterday revealed that the US has held talks with the militant group – breaking a longstanding position to not negotiate with terrorists.

Steve Witkoff has now shed light on the discussions, saying they were recent and that the US’s message to Hamas – which is proscribed by the US and the UK – was that it wants to get hostages home.

Israel estimates about 24 living hostages, including American citizen Edan Alexander, and the bodies of at least 35 others, are still in Gaza.

Mr Witkoff said seeing 21-year-old Mr Alexander released is a “top priority for us”.

The special envoy said he will travel to the Middle East next week, with visits to four countries planned.

Mr Trump addressed the talks at as he spoke to media in the Oval Office this evening.

When asked if the US and Israel could take action if Hamas does not release the remaining hostages, he replied: “You’re going to find out.”

The talks between the US and Hamas – which took place in Doha, Qatar – were confirmed yesterday by White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt.

She said at a news conference: “Dialogue and talking to people around the world to do what’s in the best interest of the American people, is something that the president has proven is what he believes is a good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”

Adam Boehler, Mr Trump’s nominee to be special envoy for hostage affairs, is leading the direct talks with Hamas.

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Confirmation of the discussions came as a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hamas continues to hold – and shortly before Mr Trump told Hamas to hand over Israeli hostages or “you are dead”.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, the US president wrote: “I have just met with your former Hostages whose lives you have destroyed. This is your last warning!”