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 discussions mark the first time the U.S. has held face-to-face talks with the militant group since Gaza war began.

Asked about the talks, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters that "the special envoy who's engaged in those negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone".