The United States has pulled out of Gaza ceasefire negotiations and recalled its diplomatic team from Qatar, citing Hamas’ alleged unwillingness to engage constructively in peace efforts.
President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, announced on Thursday that Hamas’ most recent response “shows a lack of desire” to reach a truce. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” 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.”
The U.S. State Department did not elaborate on what these “alternative options” might be. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott reiterated Washington’s commitment to achieving a ceasefire but said, “this is a very dynamic situation.”
Hamas, in a statement released early Friday, expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks. It claimed it had shown flexibility in the talks and remained committed to reaching a permanent ceasefire to end hostilities and ease humanitarian suffering in Gaza.
Efforts to broker a truce between Israel and Hamas have dragged on for weeks without resolution, as humanitarian conditions in Gaza continue to worsen. Talks have been hampered by conflicting demands: Hamas insists on a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in exchange for the release of all hostages, while Israel demands Hamas relinquish control and disarm before the war ends.
The latest ceasefire proposal reportedly involved a 60-day truce during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in phases. In exchange, Israel would free Palestinian prisoners and allow increased aid deliveries. Further negotiations for a long-term ceasefire would follow.
However, the negotiations faltered after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office recalled its team, citing Hamas’ uncooperative response. The Israeli government acknowledged the efforts of U.S., Qatari, and Egyptian mediators but provided no further details.
Hamas said it had provided a final response after consultations with Palestinian factions and regional actors, stressing that it was willing to ease obstacles to secure a deal.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching catastrophic levels. Aid agencies warn that the territory is on the brink of famine, with nearly 100,000 women and children suffering from severe malnutrition, according to the U.N. World Food Programme. The Gaza Health Ministry has reported an increase in deaths related to hunger.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to hold an emergency call with leaders from France and Germany to coordinate urgent food aid and discuss steps toward a lasting peace. “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible,” Starmer said. He urged Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access.
French President Emmanuel Macron echoed the call, announcing that France would recognize the state of Palestine. “The urgent thing today is that the war in Gaza stops and the civilian population is saved,” he said.
Israel, under increasing international pressure, maintains that it is allowing sufficient aid into Gaza and accuses U.N. agencies of distribution failures. However, aid groups argue that Israeli restrictions and security breakdowns make safe delivery nearly impossible. A parallel aid system supported by the U.S. and Israel has also struggled with logistical chaos.
Despite mounting criticism, the U.S. continues to blame Hamas for prolonging the war. “Of course, we want to see the end of devastation that is taking place in Gaza,” Pigott said. “That is why we have supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. That is why we’ve seen those 90 million meals being distributed.”
The White House has not yet commented on the decision to withdraw from talks.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
- Venus L Peñaflor
