Hamas has pushed back against remarks by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who criticized the group’s stance in ongoing ceasefire talks and said negotiators were pulling out from Qatar on Thursday.
In a statement, Hamas expressed “surprise” at Witkoff’s “negative” comments, saying that mediators had welcomed its “constructive and positive” position.
Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and the Israeli prime minister’s office for comment.
Why It Matters
The deadlock in ceasefire talks has dealt a major blow to hopes of an imminent ceasefire for Gaza and is a setback for months of diplomatic efforts, including those by Egypt and Qatar. Washington blames Hamas for prolonging the war and obstructing humanitarian aid.
Gaza’s humanitarian crisis continues to worsen, putting pressure on Israel. If negotiations collapse entirely, hopes for releasing remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza diminish further.
What To Know
U.S. and Israeli delegations recalled their negotiating teams from Doha following Hamas’s response to a proposal that included a 60-day truce, phased hostages release, and humanitarian aid entry.
Witkoff, appointed by President Donald Trump, criticized Hamas for a lack of “good faith” in the negotiations. It remains unclear which sticking points in the negotiations led to the rift. Hamas, on the other hand, contradicted the “negative” comments from the U.S. envoy, saying that their position in the talks was positive, constructive and supported by the other mediators.
The war has been fought since Hamas’ October 2023 attack on Israel, which killed some 1,200 Israelis and with around 250 kidnapped into Gaza. Israel is now expanding ground operations and airstrikes across the strip and had killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza-run health ministry. Nearly 900 Israeli soldiers have been killed, according to the military. Some 20 hostages are believed to be still alive.
What People Are Saying
Hamas in Arabic statement via Telegram: “The movement submitted its latest response after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly countries, and responded positively to all the observations it received, reflecting a sincere commitment to the success of the mediators’ efforts and constructive engagement with all presented initiatives. We express our surprise at the negative statements by the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff towards the movement’s position, at a time when the mediators expressed their welcome and satisfaction with this constructive and positive stance, which opens the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.”
U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, as quoted by the Associated Press: “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office in statement on X: “In light of the response conveyed by Hamas this morning, it has been decided to return the negotiating team for additional consultations in Israel. We appreciate the efforts by the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations.”
What Happens Next
The U.S. is yet to clarify its alternative approach for securing the release of Israeli hostages and creating a more stable environment.
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