US, Israel Pull Delegations from Ceasefire Talks, Witkoff Accuses Hamas of Undermining Negotiations

The United States and Israel are withdrawing their delegations from Gaza ceasefire negotiations in Doha, with US special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, accusing Hamas terrorists of derailing the process.

Israel’s own team returned home as well.

Witkoff announced the decision on Thursday, placing the blame squarely on Hamas.

“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” Witkoff said in a statement.

The envoy’s sharp rebuke came after Hamas delivered its long-awaited response to a mediator-backed proposal. Witkoff suggested the group was not negotiating sincerely.

“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” 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.”

He added, “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.”

Earlier on Thursday, Israel’s negotiation team also left Doha to consult with officials in Jerusalem. However, an Israeli official involved in the talks pushed back against reports that the negotiations had collapsed.

“There is no collapse, no blowup, nothing like that,” the official told Ynet on condition of anonymity. “We’ve reached a point where we need to return to Israel for consultations on how to proceed and narrow the gaps.”

The official maintained that the talks, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, were ongoing and that communication with the mediators would continue. Israeli delegates met with mediators after receiving Hamas’s formal reply. “We reviewed the details carefully and held internal consultations with the professional team in Doha and with decision-makers in Israel,” the official said.

The source acknowledged that while initial progress had been made on some issues, major hurdles remain. “We encountered significant difficulties in more sensitive areas, especially the mechanism for prisoner releases, which caused considerable delays,” the official explained.

The starkly different tones from the American and Israeli camps were highlighted by veteran Israeli journalist Amit Segal of Channel 12.

“Out of fear of public opinion, Israel tried to claim that the delegation’s return didn’t signal a breakdown,” Segal commented. “But Witkoff told the simple truth: there’s no one to talk to.”