By MICHELLE L. PRICE and JOSEPH KRAUSS, Related Press
WASHINGTON (AP) — The US is reducing brief Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing its negotiating workforce dwelling from Qatar for consultations after the most recent response from Hamas “shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” President Donald Trump’s particular envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned Thursday.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff mentioned in a press release. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
It was unclear what “alternative options” the U.S. was contemplating. The White Home had no instant remark, and the State Division didn’t instantly reply to messages.
A breakthrough in talks on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas has eluded Trump’s administration for months as circumstances worsen in Gaza. The territory just lately had its deadliest day but for aid-seekers in over 21 months of struggle, with not less than 85 Palestinians killed whereas attempting to achieve meals Sunday.
The edges have held weeks of talks in Qatar, reporting small indicators of progress however no main breakthroughs. Officers have mentioned a foremost sticking level is the redeployment of Israeli troops after any ceasefire takes place.
Witkoff mentioned the U.S. is “resolute” in searching for an finish to the battle in Gaza and it was “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”
White Home particular envoy Steve Witkoff waits for the arrival of President Donald Trump at Teterboro Airport in Teterboro, N.J., en path to attend the Membership World Cup ultimate soccer match, Sunday, July 13, 2025. (AP Photograph/Jacquelyn Martin)
Earlier Thursday, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s workplace recalled his nation’s negotiating workforce again to Israel in mild of Hamas’ response. In a short assertion, the prime minister’s workplace expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt, but it surely gave no additional particulars.
The deal underneath dialogue is anticipated to incorporate an preliminary 60-day ceasefire wherein Hamas would launch 10 residing hostages and the stays of 18 others in phases in trade for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Support provides can be ramped up and the 2 sides would maintain negotiations on an enduring ceasefire.
The talks have been slowed down over competing calls for for ending the struggle. Hamas says it should solely launch all hostages in trade for a full Israeli withdrawal and finish to the struggle. Israel says it is not going to agree to finish the struggle till Hamas offers up energy and disarms, a situation the militant group rejects.
Hamas is believed to be holding the hostages in numerous places, together with tunnels, and says it has ordered its guards to kill them if Israeli forces strategy.
The breakdown in talks is the most recent setback for Trump as he’s tried to place himself as peacemaker and made little secret of the actual fact he desires to obtain a Nobel Peace Prize. The Republican president additionally had promised to rapidly negotiate an finish to Russia’s struggle in Ukraine, however little progress has been made there, both.
With the struggle in Gaza, Trump earlier this month met with Netanyahu on the White Home, placing his weight behind a push to achieve a breakthrough and a ceasefire settlement.
However regardless of his newly strengthened partnership with Netanyahu following their nations’ joint strikes on Iran, the Israeli chief left Washington with none introduced breakthrough.
The State Division mentioned earlier within the week that Witkoff can be touring to the Center East for talks, however U.S. officers later mentioned that Witkoff would as an alternative journey to Europe. It was unclear if he was holding conferences there Thursday.
The obvious derailing of the talks comes as Israel’s blockade and army offensive have pushed Gaza to the brink of famine, in line with help teams. The U.N. meals company says almost 100,000 ladies and kids are affected by extreme, acute malnutrition, and the Gaza Well being Ministry has reported an increase in hunger-related deaths.
Displaced Palestinians obtain donated meals at a group kitchen in Gaza Metropolis, northern Gaza Strip, Tuesday, July 22, 2025. (AP Photograph/Jehad Alshrafi)
Israel has come underneath mounting stress, with 28 Western-aligned nations calling for an finish to the struggle and harshly criticizing Israel’s blockade and a brand new help supply mannequin it has rolled out.
Greater than 100 charity and human rights teams launched the same letter, saying that even their very own employees are struggling to get sufficient meals.
The U.S. and Israel rejected the allegations and blamed Hamas for prolonging the struggle by not accepting their phrases for a ceasefire.
Israel says it’s permitting in sufficient help and blames U.N. companies for not distributing it. However these companies say it’s almost unimaginable to securely ship it due to Israeli restrictions and a breakdown of legislation and order, with crowds of 1000’s unloading meals vans as quickly as they transfer into Gaza.
A separate Israeli-backed system run by an American contractor has additionally been marred by chaos.
Krauss reported from in Ottawa, Ontario. Related Press writers Josef Federman and Julia Frankel in Jerusalem contributed to this report.
Initially Revealed: July 24, 2025 at 1:22 PM EDT
