WASHINGTON (AP) — The United States is halting its Gaza ceasefire talks and recalling its negotiating team from Qatar. This decision comes in light of Hamas' latest response, which President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, described as demonstrating a “lack of desire” to reach a truce. In a statement, Witkoff said, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.” He further announced that the U.S. would now consider “alternative options” to bring the hostages home and to foster a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott refrained from detailing what these “alternative options” might entail regarding the release of hostages held by the militant group. The Trump administration has struggled to secure a breakthrough on a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas after 21 months of escalating conflict, with conditions in Gaza deteriorating further. This latest development represents yet another setback for Trump, who has aimed to position himself as a peacemaker in various global conflicts, including those in Ukraine and Gaza.
The discussions for a Gaza ceasefire have been dragging on for weeks, with minimal progress reported. When asked about the U.S. strategy moving forward in seeking a truce in Gaza, Pigott indicated that the situation remains “very dynamic” and emphasized the U.S. commitment to achieving a ceasefire while placing blame on Hamas for the lack of progress. Negotiations in Qatar had initially shown small signs of advancement, but have stalled primarily over the redeployment of Israeli troops in the event of a ceasefire.
Witkoff reiterated the U.S. commitment to ending the conflict in Gaza, expressing disappointment that Hamas has acted in a “selfish way.” Meanwhile, the White House and representatives for Hamas did not provide immediate comments regarding the current state of negotiations.
On the same day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also recalled its negotiating team, citing Hamas’ response as a reason for the withdrawal. Netanyahu’s office released a brief statement expressing gratitude for the mediation efforts of Witkoff along with Qatar and Egypt, but did not elaborate further. The ceasefire deal under consideration was expected to establish an initial 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release ten living hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Aid supplies were intended to be increased, and discussions for a long-term ceasefire were to follow.
The talks have encountered significant hurdles due to conflicting demands from both sides. Hamas insists that it will only release all hostages in exchange for a complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and an end to the war. Conversely, Israel has stated that it will not agree to conclude the conflict until Hamas relinquishes power and disarms, although Hamas has indicated a willingness to leave power without surrendering its weapons. It is believed that Hamas is holding hostages in various locations, including tunnels, and has instructed its guards to execute them if Israeli forces approach.
President Trump has been vocal about his aspirations for a Nobel Peace Prize, promising to negotiate a swift resolution to the ongoing war in Ukraine, although tangible progress has been limited. In relation to Gaza, Trump recently met with Netanyahu at the White House, reinforcing his support for a potential deal. However, despite their close partnership, particularly highlighted by joint military actions against Iran, Netanyahu returned to Israel without securing any substantial breakthroughs.
Initially, the State Department announced that Witkoff would be traveling to the Middle East for discussions, but later indicated he would instead head to Europe. It remains uncertain whether he held any meetings in Europe on Thursday. The breakdown of negotiations coincides with reports from aid organizations indicating that Israel’s blockade and military operations have brought Gaza to the brink of famine. According to the U.N. food agency, nearly 100,000 women and children are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, and the Gaza Health Ministry has reported increasing hunger-related deaths.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has called for an emergency conference with officials from Germany and France to urgently address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and to pursue steps towards lasting peace. “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible,” he stated. The three European nations have reached a consensus on the pressing need for Israel to alter its course and allow essential aid to enter Gaza immediately.
Additionally, French President Emmanuel Macron announced on Thursday that France would formally recognize Palestine as a state, emphasizing the urgent need to halt the conflict in Gaza to save civilian lives. The pressure on Israel is mounting, with 28 Western-aligned countries demanding an end to the war and condemning Israel’s blockade and its new aid delivery model. Over 100 charity and human rights organizations have echoed these concerns, highlighting the struggles their staff face in securing enough food for those in need.
While the U.S. and Israel have dismissed these allegations, attributing the protraction of the war to Hamas’ refusal to accept their ceasefire terms, Israel maintains it is allowing adequate aid into Gaza. However, U.N. agencies contend that the delivery of aid is nearly impossible due to Israeli restrictions and chaotic conditions, with large crowds often overwhelming food trucks upon their arrival. An alternative aid system backed by Israel and the U.S. has also faced significant challenges. “Of course, we want to see the end of the devastation taking place in Gaza,” Pigott said. “That is why we have supported the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation and facilitated the distribution of 90 million meals.”
___ Krauss reported from Ottawa, Ontario. Additional reporting by Associated Press writers Josef Federman and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem and Farnoush Amiri in New York contributed to this report.
