The special envoy of US President Donald Trump, Steve Witkoff, said on Thursday that the US is cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing home its negotiating team from Qatar for consultations, reports news agency AP.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a statement. “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 was unclear what “alternative options” the United States was considering. The White House did not immediately comment, and the State Department also did not immediately respond to messages.
A breakthrough in the ceasefire talks deal between Israel and Hamas has eluded the Trump’s administration for months as the conditions in Gaza worsen. Recently, the territory witnessed its deadliest day yet for aid seekers in over 21 months of war with 85 Palestinians killed while trying to reach food Sunday.
Witkoff said that the US is resolute in seeking an end to the conflict in Gaza and said that it was “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office recalled country’s negotiating team back to Israel in light of Hamas’ response. The prime minister, in a brief statement, expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt. However, it gave no further details.
According to news agency AP, the deal under discussion is expected to include a 60-day ceasefire in which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Aid supplies would be ramped up and the two sides would hold negotiations on a lasting truce.
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