NNA - The White House announced on Saturday that the administration of US President Donald Trump has withdrawn the nomination of Adam Boehler for the position of US Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, according to Sky News Arabia.

Boehler, who is working to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, will continue his efforts as a "special government employee," a position that does not require Senate confirmation.

White House spokeswoman Caroline Leavitt said in a statement, "Adam Boehler will continue to work with President Trump as a special government employee focused on hostage negotiations."

She added, "Adam played a critical role in negotiating Mark Vogel's return from Russia and will continue this important work to bring home unlawfully detained individuals around the world."

Reuters quoted a White House official as saying that Boehler withdrew his nomination to avoid divestment from his investment company, and this move was unrelated to the controversy surrounding his discussions with Hamas.

The official added, "Boehler still enjoys President Trump's absolute confidence."

Boehler had held direct meetings with Hamas in recent days regarding the release of hostages in Gaza. These discussions violated Washington's decades-old policy against negotiating with groups designated by the United States as terrorist organizations. These talks angered some Republican senators and Israeli leaders, particularly after comments attributed to Boehler in which he described Hamas officials as "nice."

==========