Karoline Leavitt explains US efforts to negotiate with Hamas to free American hostages

There are currently five hostages with U.S. citizenship in Gaza, though most are feared dead. 

"If the U.S. has a long-standing policy that we do not negotiate with terrorists, then why is the U.S. now negotiating directly and for the first time ever with Hamas?" Doocy asked.

"Well, when it comes to the negotiations that you're referring to, first of all, the special envoy who's engaged in these negotiations does have the authority to talk to anyone," Leavitt responded.

"Is it just about the hostages, or are they also talking about the president's plan to take over?" Doocy asked.

"These are ongoing talks and discussions. I'm not going to detail them here," Leavitt said. "There are American lives at stake. I would refer you to the Department of State, for further details, but I'm not going to get into those talks here at this point."

In response to Leavitt's statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement reading: "In talks with the United States, Israel expressed its view on direct talks with Hamas."

In a statement obtained by Fox News on Sunday, National Security Council spokesman Brian Hughes said Israel has "negotiated in good faith since the beginning of this administration to ensure the release of hostages held captive by Hamas terrorists."

"We will support their decision on next steps given Hamas has indicated it's no longer interested in a negotiated ceasefire," Hughes added.

Fox News' Yonat Friling contributed to this report.