In a significant departure from traditional diplomatic protocol, the White House has acknowledged that its top Middle East adviser, Avi Berkowitz, held direct talks with Hamas, the Palestinian militant group. This disclosure marks a shift in the United States’ approach towards Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department for over two decades. Previously, Washington had utilized intermediaries like Qatar and Egypt to facilitate communication with Hamas. The White House confirmed Berkowitz’s direct engagement with Hamas, asserting that he was authorized to conduct these discussions. However, the timeline of when Israel was informed about these talks remains unspecified. This development comes amidst ongoing tensions in the region, with Hamas playing a significant role in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The direct engagement with Hamas signifies a potential reevaluation of US policy towards the group, raising questions about the future of American involvement in the Middle East peace process. The revelation of these direct talks underscores the complexity of the political dynamics in the region and the intricacies of diplomatic relations. It remains to be seen how this shift in approach will impact the broader geopolitical landscape and the prospects for peace in the Middle East.