Fox’s Peter Doocy Presses White House Spox on US Going Against ‘Longstanding’ Policy to Negotiate With Hamas

Fox News White House correspondent Peter Doocy asked Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt why the United States has engaged in talks with the militant group Hamas.

When Doocy was called on during Wednesday’s White House briefing, his first question was about the U.S. seemingly going against a longstanding policy on negotiating with groups recognized as terrorists.

“If the U.S. has a longstanding policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists,” Doocy said, “then why is the U.S. now negotiating directly — and for the first time ever — with Hamas?”

Hours earlier, it was revealed in a report from Axios that the U.S. was holding “secret talks” with the group for the release of hostages in Gaza. They were held by presidential envoy for hostage affairs Adam Boehler, and they took place in Doha.

“Well, when it comes to the negotiations that you’re referring to,” Leavitt responded, “first of all, the special envoy who’s engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone. Israel was consulted on this matter. And, look, 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 good faith effort to do what’s right for the American people.”

Doocy then asked if the talks were just about the hostages or if the parties involved also discussed Trump’s proposed takeover of the region. Leavitt declined to elaborate further.

Watch above via Fox News