US President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff stated on Thursday that the US is cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing its negotiating team home from Qatar for consultations. This decision follows the latest response from Hamas, which, according to Witkoff, “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 co-ordinated or acting in good faith,” Mr. 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.”
He described Hamas’s actions as “selfish” and affirmed the US’s “resolute” commitment to ending the conflict in Gaza.
The specific “alternative options” being considered by the US were not disclosed. The White House had no immediate comment, and the State Department did not immediately respond to inquiries.
A breakthrough in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas has remained elusive for months, even as conditions in Gaza deteriorate.
The parties have engaged in weeks of discussions in Qatar, noting minor progress without achieving any significant breakthroughs. Officials have indicated that a primary obstacle is the redeployment of Israeli troops following any ceasefire.
Earlier on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office recalled its negotiating team to Israel in response to Hamas’s latest communication.
In a brief statement, the prime minister’s office acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt, without providing further details.
The proposed deal entails a 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases. In return, Israel would release Palestinian prisoners.
The agreement also includes a ramp-up in aid supplies and negotiations between the two sides on a lasting truce.
The talks have stalled due to conflicting demands regarding the end of the war. Hamas maintains that it will only release all hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal and the end of the war. Israel insists it will not agree to end the war until Hamas relinquishes power and disarms, a condition that the militant group refuses to accept.
The State Department initially announced that Mr. Witkoff would travel to the Middle East for talks, but US officials later stated he would travel to Europe instead.
It remains unclear whether he held meetings there on Thursday.
