The US is withdrawing its negotiating team from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar after Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, pointed the finger at Hamas for a “lack of desire to reach a ceasefire”.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said on Thursday. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
The announcement suggested a setback for diplomatic efforts to end the relentless siege, destruction and ruin of Gaza that has devastated the territory for more than 21 months. Israel also recalled its negotiating team following Hamas’s response, in effect suspending weeks of Qatar-mediated talks that had shown only limited progress. It’s also unclear what “alternative options” are under consideration.
According to a Haaretz report, Israeli sources described the teams’ recall as a coordinated move designed to pressure Hamas.
Hamas said it was surprised by Witkoff’s remarks, adding that the group’s position had been welcomed by mediators and had opened the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.
“The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and engage in them in a manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement,” Hamas added in a statement early on Friday.
The announcement comes as Gaza endures cataclysmic humanitarian conditions. Israeli forces have killed more than 1,000 desperate and hungry people in Gaza in recent weeks trying to fetch food according to the UN, with at least 85 Palestinians killed on Sunday alone.
The World Health Organization on Wednesday described the situation as “man-made mass starvation” caused by restrictions on aid deliveries. US-based journalism organizations representing thousands of members have condemned the starvation campaign as a war crime, and “refuse to normalize the targeting of the press”.
Witkoff added that it was “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way” while insisting the US remains “resolute” in ending the bombardment of Gaza, though American officials have consistently attributed negotiation failures to the Palestinian side.
The proposed deal under discussion would have established a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in staged phases. In exchange, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners, increase aid deliveries to Gaza, and both sides would enter negotiations for a permanent truce.
The talks had been bogged down over where Israeli troops would redeploy after any ceasefire – specifically whether Israel would maintain control of the Netzarim and Philadelphi corridors – a sticking point that is proving insurmountable thus far. Israel also refuses to end the war until Hamas surrenders power and disarms, though Hamas has indicated a willingness to discuss stepping down from power under certain conditions.
The Haaretz report suggested that other sticking points include the areas from which Israel would withdraw during a pause in fighting, and the identities of the prisoners who would be released.
Thursday’s development comes in contrast with recent signs from the Trump administration, which had been optimistic about securing a breakthrough and had campaigned on ending foreign wars. A temporary ceasefire deal was last reached between Israel and Hamas in January, but collapsed after Israel launched surprise airstrikes in March that killed more than 400 people.
