US Envoy Slams Hamas for "Lack of Will" Amid Escalating Gaza Crisis
In a sharp blow to efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, the United States and Israel have both recalled their negotiating teams from ongoing truce talks in Qatar, following what officials described as an unconstructive proposal from Hamas.
US special envoy Steve Witkoff announced Thursday that he was ending the American delegation's participation, accusing Hamas of showing "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire." Hours earlier, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also confirmed the withdrawal of Israel’s negotiators.
Hamas, for its part, has not issued a formal response to the accusations but has long contended that Israel is the main barrier to peace by obstructing humanitarian aid and rejecting ceasefire terms.
The renewed diplomatic strain comes at a time when Gaza’s humanitarian situation is deteriorating drastically. Since Israel began its offensive in October 2023, more than 59,500 Palestinians have been killed, and over 100 people have reportedly died of hunger in recent weeks. Aid groups are warning of mass starvation, pointing to Israel’s tight restrictions on essential supplies entering the besieged enclave.
The proposal that Hamas submitted this week—mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the US—reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire. The plan involves Hamas releasing 10 living hostages and returning the remains of 18 others, while Israel would free Palestinian detainees and allow scaled-up humanitarian aid.
However, disagreements remain over post-ceasefire arrangements. Israel has repeatedly declared its intent to maintain long-term military control in Gaza and pursue the total dismantling of Hamas—goals many international observers see as unrealistic and legally contentious. Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz has even suggested relocating Palestinians to a so-called “humanitarian city” within Gaza, a plan heavily criticized for potentially breaching international law.
Witkoff, who lacks traditional diplomatic experience and was appointed by the Biden administration, called Hamas’s behavior “selfish” and suggested the US might now explore “alternative options” to bring hostages home and stabilize the region.
The collapse—or possible stalling—of negotiations comes as global pressure mounts on both parties to reach an agreement. Aid agencies and human rights organizations say delays are costing lives daily.
Meanwhile, observers remain uncertain whether the US exit from talks is a tactical move or a sign that negotiations are nearing a complete breakdown.
"Edited and published by Veritas Global News to maintain accuracy and originality"
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