The ongoing negotiations represent a major shift from the US's usual policy of not engaging in direct talks with terrorist organizations.
However, exceptions have been made in the past, including negotiations with the [Taliban](https://www.newsbytesapp.com/news/world/taliban) under both Obama and Trump administrations.
When asked about the talk with Hamas, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said that Adam Boehler, Trump's choice for hostage envoy, is authorized to engage in these discussions and that Israel was consulted on this matter.