US pulls out of Gaza ceasefire talks, Trump recalls negotiating team, accuses Hamas of…, Israeli hostages to…
The United States has recalled its negotiating team from Doha, where talks aimed at securing a Gaza ceasefire were underway, CNN reported. US President Donald Trump’s special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas’ latest response “clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire.”
What led the US to pull out of the negotiations?
Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff, who also visited Italy for consultations, stated, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. 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.” Furthermore, he stated, “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
What alternative options is the US considering for the hostages?
According to the AP report, State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott did not say what other options the U.S. might use to free the hostages held by the militant group. Following Trump’s announcement, there is growing concern that Israel’s military actions in Gaza will continue, and hopes of getting back the remaining Israeli hostages from Gaza are fading.
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks, after it had repeatedly accused Israel of obstructing a ceasefire deal. In a statement released on Thursday, Hamas stated,” 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,” reported Al Jazeera.
After 21 months of the war, which has been devastating to both Israelis and Palestinians, the Trump administration has seen its opportunity for a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas. Conditions in Gaza have deteriorated. Thursday’s decision is the latest in the Trump administration’s quest to be a peacemaker after promising to secure peace agreements in conflicts that have spanned the globe from Ukraine to Gaza.
Following Hamas’ response, Israel also recalled its delegation from Doha. However, an Israeli source told CNN the move should not be seen as a breakdown in negotiations, but rather as a step to facilitate decisions “that cannot be made remotely.”CNN cited a separate official familiar with the talks as describing Hamas’ response as “positive,” adding that while gaps remain, “there is growing optimism that the gaps are narrowing and a deal can be reached.” Despite this, CNN reported that the future of the negotiations remains uncertain. It is unclear whether the US is stepping back from talks or using the withdrawal as leverage.
How will the withdrawal affect the conflict in Gaza?
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to deepen. CNN reported that starvation deaths are rising daily, with Israeli restrictions limiting aid shipments. Aid deliveries remain vulnerable in the absence of a ceasefire. Under the Biden administration, the US had a dedicated official for humanitarian access to Gaza. CNN noted the Trump administration has not appointed a similar figure.
Instead, US officials have blamed Hamas for the crisis and backed the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which they say helps prevent aid theft by Hamas. CNN reported repeated violence near GHF aid sites, with over 1,000 people killed while seeking aid, according to the United Nations. Local authorities say more than a dozen people have died of starvation in the past week.
Asked about efforts to boost aid delivery without a ceasefire, State Department deputy spokesperson Tommy Pigott said, “We want to see end the devastation that has taken place in Gaza, that’s why we have seen this commitment to get aid to the people who need it in a way where it is not weaponized by Hamas.”
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