The US delegation involved in Gaza ceasefire talks will return to Washington for consultations after Hamas’s response to the proposal, President Donald Trump’s special envoy said on Thursday.
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after Hamas’ latest response, which clearly demonstrates a lack of desire to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made great efforts, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Steve Witkoff wrote on the social network X.
“We will now consider alternative options to return the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is shameful that Hamas has acted in this selfish manner. We are determined to seek an end to this conflict and a lasting peace in Gaza,” he added.
It was not clear what “alternative options” Witkoff was referring to.
Israel announced earlier on Thursday that it was withdrawing its negotiating team. This came after Witkoff met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in Rome.
Hamas confirmed on Thursday that it had submitted its response, along with those from other Palestinian factions, to the mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receipt of the response and said it was reviewing it. Neither side disclosed its content.
However, Israel’s Channel 12 reported that Hamas had demanded the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences for killing Israelis in exchange for ten live hostages, in addition to the 2,000 Palestinians held by Israeli forces in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
The initial proposal, which Israel reportedly accepted, included the release of 125 prisoners serving life sentences and 1,200 arrested in Gaza since the start of the war.
The Israel Hayom newspaper, citing unnamed security officials, said the army was preparing to expand its ground operations in Gaza following Hamas’ response.
Tel Aviv estimates that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, half of whom are still alive. More than 10,800 Palestinians are being held in Israeli prisons, suffering torture, starvation and medical neglect, resulting in many deaths, according to reports from Palestinian and Israeli human rights groups and media outlets.
Since July 6, indirect talks between Israel and Hamas have been underway in Doha, brokered by Qatar and Egypt, with the support of the United States, in an effort to reach a ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement.
Israel has killed more than 59,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, collapsed the health system and led to severe food shortages.
Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
Israel also faces a genocide charge before the International Court of Justice.
