The White House said Wednesday that US officials have engaged in “ongoing talks and discussions” with Hamas officials, stepping away from a long-held US policy of not directly engaging in the militant group.

The White House confirmed it held unprecedented direct talks with Hamas in an effort to secure the release of the last remaining American hostages trapped in Gaza.For the first time since 1997, US officials have engaged directly with the militant group – a moment that could become a diplomatic breakthrough as Hamas and Israel clash over the next phase of the ceasefire.