U.S. and Israel Ditch Ceasefire Talks

Washington

The United States has withdrawn its negotiating team from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, with Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, accusing Hamas of lacking the will to reach a deal.

“Despite the mediators’ efforts, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said Thursday. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and stabilize Gaza.”

Israel followed suit, pulling its delegation and effectively pausing weeks of stalled negotiations mediated by Qatar. Haaretz reported the coordinated move was meant to pressure Hamas. The proposed ceasefire would have paused fighting for 60 days in exchange for hostage releases, prisoner swaps, and expanded aid. However, disputes over Israeli troop positions and Hamas’s future role remained unresolved.

Hamas expressed surprise at the U.S. stance, claiming its latest position had been welcomed by mediators. “The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and overcome obstacles,” Hamas said in a Friday statement.

The diplomatic collapse comes as Gaza faces worsening humanitarian disaster. The UN reports over 1,000 people have been killed in recent weeks while seeking food, including at least 85 on Sunday alone. The World Health Organization has called the situation “man-made mass starvation,” citing severe aid restrictions.

Witkoff insisted the U.S. remains committed to ending the war but blamed Hamas for the deadlock, calling their conduct “selfish.” Talks had also stalled over Israel’s refusal to relinquish control of key corridors and demands that Hamas disarm and relinquish power. Hamas has indicated it may consider stepping down under certain conditions.

The Trump administration had previously expressed optimism about securing a ceasefire. The last truce collapsed in March when Israeli airstrikes killed over 400 people following a brief pause in hostilities.