The United States has decided to shorten ceasefire discussions regarding Gaza and is pulling its negotiation team back from Qatar after Hamas’ recent response indicated a disinterest in reaching a truce.
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, expressed this sentiment on Thursday, stating, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” in reference to the stalled talks.
Witkoff emphasized that the U.S. would now explore alternative options to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas and improve the situation for the people in Gaza.
Tommy Pigott, spokesperson for the State Department, refrained from providing specifics about the potential alternatives the U.S. might consider for freeing the hostages.
In a reaction to Witkoff’s remarks, Hamas expressed surprise and claimed to have shown responsibility and flexibility throughout the negotiation process, highlighting its commitment to resolving the conflict and alleviating the plight of people in Gaza.
Despite ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire following 21 months of warfare, the Trump administration has struggled to reach a significant agreement.
Witkoff’s decision to withdraw the negotiating team signals yet another hurdle for Trump, who desires to assume the role of a peace broker in various global conflicts, including those in Gaza and Ukraine.
Although there have been reports of minor progress during weeks of discussions in Qatar, major breakthroughs continue to be elusive.
One of the primary issues hampering the talks is the redeployment of Israeli troops post-ceasefire.
Witkoff reiterated the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict, criticizing Hamas for prioritizing its own interests in the negotiations.
The White House has opted not to comment on the current situation.
Hamas, in a statement released early Friday, remarked that it had provided a final answer after extensive discussions with Palestinian factions and regional mediators, asserting its positive handling of negotiations.
Despite the positivity, Hamas also reaffirmed its willingness to continue dialogues to overcome obstacles and reach a permanent ceasefire.
Compounding the situation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also recalled his negotiating team on Thursday in light of Hamas’ response, commending the mediation efforts by Witkoff and other parties like Qatar and Egypt without providing further details.
The ceasefire under discussion was anticipated to involve an initial 60-day halt in hostilities, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
In addition, an increase in aid supplies was part of the proposed agreement, with both parties expected to engage in further negotiations to establish a lasting ceasefire.
The negotiations have become mired in competing demands over how to conclude the conflict.
Hamas insists on releasing all hostages only in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal and cessation of hostilities.
Conversely, Israel maintains it will not agree to conclude the conflict until Hamas relinquishes control and disarms.
Hamas has indicated its willingness to step away from governing but is resistant to the total surrender of its weapons.
It is believed that Hamas is holding hostages in various locations, including underground tunnels, and has directed its guards to kill hostages if Israeli forces encroach.
President Trump has been quite vocal about his desire to earn a Nobel Peace Prize, demonstrating optimism about concluding the Russian war in Ukraine swiftly, yet significant advancements remain absent.
In terms of the Gaza conflict, Trump previously met with Netanyahu at the White House this month, backing efforts to secure a deal.
Despite a strengthened collaboration through joint military operations against Iran, Netanyahu departed Washington without any significant negotiation advancement.
Initially, U.S. officials indicated Witkoff would be traveling to the Middle East for discussions but later declared his departure to Europe instead.
It remains unclear whether Witkoff held any meetings on Thursday following the transition.
As talks unravel, Israel’s ongoing blockade and military actions have brought Gaza to the brink of famine, as reported by aid organizations.
The U.N. food agency has indicated that nearly 100,000 women and children are suffering from severe, acute malnutrition, with the Gaza Health Ministry documenting an increase in hunger-related fatalities.
In light of the situation, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced plans for an emergency call with officials from Germany and France to urgently discuss the delivery of food aid and strategies to build lasting peace in the region.
Starmer expressed in a statement, “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible,” advocating for immediate actions from Israel to permit aid to flow into Gaza.
French President Emmanuel Macron declared on Thursday that France would recognize Palestine as a state.
He emphasized, “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved.”
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the Israeli government for its failure to prevent the escalating humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza and called for a two-state solution to ensure peace and security for both Israelis and Palestinians.
Increasing global pressure has been placed on Israel, with 28 Western-aligned nations urging for a cessation of hostilities and critiquing Israel’s blockade, along with a newly implemented aid delivery model.
Moreover, over 100 charity and human rights organizations have voiced similar concerns, stating that even their personnel are facing difficulties acquiring sufficient food supplies.
Both the U.S. and Israel have rebuffed criticisms, attributing the prolonged conflict to Hamas’s refusal to accept their terms for a ceasefire.
Israel contends that it is permitting adequate aid into Gaza while blaming U.N. agencies for the uneven distribution of supplies.
However, these agencies argue that the secure delivery of necessary goods is rendered near impossible due to Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of order, leading to chaotic scenes where large crowds are attempting to seize food deliveries.
An additional aid delivery model provided by an American contractor, backed by both Israeli and U.S. efforts, has also encountered significant disruption.
Pigott reiterated, “Of course, we want to see the end of devastation that is taking place in Gaza.”
“This is why we have supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and why we have witnessed the distribution of 90 million meals.”
image source from：npr
