WASHINGTON (BN24) — The United States and Israel have withdrawn their negotiating teams from ceasefire talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of failing to demonstrate serious intent to end the ongoing war in Gaza. The decision marks a major setback to international diplomatic efforts aimed at halting nearly 10 months of devastating conflict.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff abruptly ended his participation in the talks Thursday, citing what he called “a lack of desire” by Hamas to pursue a truce. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a sharply worded 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.”
Shortly before Witkoff’s announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel was also recalling its delegation from Doha. The moves followed Hamas’ latest response to a ceasefire framework negotiated by Qatar, Egypt and the United States. The contents of that response remain undisclosed, but both Washington and Tel Aviv deemed it unsatisfactory.
Hamas expressed surprise at the abrupt withdrawals, asserting that it remains committed to reaching an 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 said in a statement released late Thursday.
The ceasefire framework reportedly under discussion would include a 60-day halt in fighting, the release of 10 living Israeli captives and the remains of 18 others, the return of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and increased humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, both sides have clashed over what follows such a truce — a dispute that continues to stall progress.
Israel has signaled that it plans to maintain a military presence in Gaza even after a ceasefire, insisting on Hamas’ total defeat. Meanwhile, critics have condemned reported Israeli proposals, such as the forced relocation of Palestinians to so-called “humanitarian cities,” as violations of international law.
Pressure continues to mount internationally as Gaza faces one of the worst humanitarian crises in decades. At least 115 people have reportedly died from malnutrition since the war began, mostly in recent weeks. More than 100 aid organizations have accused Israel of weaponizing humanitarian aid, blaming its blockade for “mass starvation” in the enclave.
Al Jazeera correspondent Shihab Rattansi, reporting from Washington, said it was still unclear whether the U.S. decision to pull out was a tactical move or a signal that the negotiations had collapsed entirely. “It’s a very sternly worded tweet, talking about ‘alternative options for a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,’” Rattansi noted, adding that President Donald Trump has not ruled out controversial measures such as forced deportation of Palestinians.
Since the Hamas-led attack on October 7 that killed at least 1,139 people in southern Israel, the Israeli military campaign in Gaza has killed at least 59,587 Palestinians, according to Gaza’s health ministry. As the war grinds on, the prospects for a diplomatic resolution remain bleak.
