‘While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,’ the U.S. envoy says.
The United States on Thursday abandoned peace talks with Hamas after the terrorist group signaled that it didn’t seek to come to an agreement on a cease-fire with Israel, according to U.S. special envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff.
Witkoff added that the U.S. negotiation team is now being brought home from Doha, Qatar, where the talks were being held.
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” he said in a post on X.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.”
Witkoff said that U.S. officials are looking into “alternative options” to attempt to bring the remaining hostages held by Hamas home, and to create a better environment for people living in Gaza.
The Gaza War has been raging since October 2023, when Hamas’s terrorist attack on Israel left 1,200 people dead and resulted in the capture of 250 hostages.
“It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza,” Witkoff added.
His comments come a day after Hamas handed its response to a cease-fire proposal to mediators.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Thursday it was also recalling its Gaza negotiating team to Israel for consultations. In a brief statement, the prime minister’s office expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt, but gave no further details.
The U.S. plan called for a 60-day truce, during which Hamas would release some hostages while Israel would free Palestinian prisoners and allow a surge of humanitarian aid into Gaza.
During the 60 days, the sides were also to begin negotiations on a permanent end to the war. Hamas is holding 50 hostages, around 20 of whom are believed to still be alive.
