The United States and Israel have recalled their delegation teams out of ceasefire talks in Qatar after disappointing response from Hamas. US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced the decision on Thursday, saying the latest proposal from Hamas showed “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.”
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said.
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza,” he added.
The talks, hosted in Qatar, aimed at ending the months-long conflict between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. But progress has been slow, and Thursday’s development marks another major setback.
NO BREAKTHROUGH DESPITE WEEKS OF NEGOTIATIONS
For weeks, US, Israeli, Qatari, and Egyptian officials had been holding discussions in order to establish a temporary ceasefire and hostage deal.
Under the proposed agreement, Hamas would release 10 Israeli hostages and return the 18 dead bodies in separate phases. In exchange, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners. The deal would also include a 60-day ceasefire, humanitarian aid to Gaza, and follow-up talks on a permanent truce.
However, both sides failed to reach agreement on certain terms. Hamas has been insisting on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza and a complete end to the war before releasing all hostages. Meanwhile, Israel refuses to end the conflict unless Hamas gives up its weapons and control over Gaza — a demand Hamas rejects.
The stalled talks come at a time when conditions in Gaza are worsening. On Sunday, at least 85 Palestinians were reportedly killed while trying to get food — making it the deadliest day for food aid-seekers since the war began nearly two years ago.
NETANYAHU RECALLS ISRAELI TEAM
Shortly before the US announced its withdrawal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said it was recalling its delegation from the talks as well.
In a short statement, his office said, “We appreciate the efforts of Steve Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt.” However, no further explanation was given about Hamas’s response.
President Trump has been pushing hard for a breakthrough in the Gaza conflict, hoping to present himself as a global peacemaker. He even hosted Netanyahu at the White House earlier this month to support the talks and show strong backing for Israel.
Despite their show of unity — including joint military strikes on Iranian nuclear sites — the Israeli leader left Washington without any agreement in hand.
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