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The United States abruptly ended its participation in ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, with President Donald Trump’s special envoy Steve Witkoff accusing the militant group of showing “a lack of desire” to reach a truce.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a sharply worded statement. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
The move marks a major setback for the Trump administration’s high-profile push to broker peace in the Middle East. Talks had been ongoing for weeks in Qatar, with mediators reporting slow progress but no breakthroughs.
State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott declined to elaborate on what “alternative options” the U.S. might pursue but insisted that the administration remains committed to securing the release of hostages and ending the war.
Hamas called Witkoff’s remarks “surprising and negative,” claiming it had acted responsibly and with flexibility during negotiations. “We reaffirm our keenness to continue the negotiations and to engage in a way that would ease obstacles and ensure reaching a permanent ceasefire,” the group said.
The breakdown comes as Gaza plunges deeper into crisis. Aid groups say Israel’s blockade, coupled with a grinding military campaign, has brought nearly 100,000 women and children to the brink of famine. The Gaza Health Ministry continues to report hunger-related deaths, and international pressure is mounting on Israel to allow unrestricted humanitarian access.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced an emergency call with German and French leaders Friday, urging swift action. “The suffering and starvation unfolding in Gaza is unspeakable and indefensible,” he said. French President Emmanuel Macron also ramped up pressure, announcing France would recognize a Palestinian state and calling for an immediate end to the war.
The deal under discussion included a 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. Humanitarian aid would be expanded, and both sides would negotiate toward a permanent ceasefire.
But major disagreements remained. Hamas insisted on a full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the war, while Israel demanded that Hamas give up power and disarm — terms Hamas rejected. The militant group said it may be willing to step down from governing Gaza but will not surrender its weapons.
Israel recalled its negotiating team earlier Thursday, citing Hamas’ failure to meet the terms. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office thanked mediators but gave no further explanation.
Witkoff’s withdrawal marks the latest in a series of stalled efforts by Trump, who has publicly sought to earn a Nobel Peace Prize by resolving the world’s toughest conflicts. He had previously pledged to end Russia’s war in Ukraine “within 24 hours” and met with Netanyahu in Washington earlier this month in an effort to break the deadlock over Gaza.
Despite strong military cooperation between the U.S. and Israel — including joint strikes on Iranian targets — the talks have now unraveled. Hamas claims its final proposal was made in coordination with regional partners and reflected its commitment to peace.
Meanwhile, aid distribution remains chaotic. Israeli officials claim they’ve allowed enough supplies into Gaza but blame U.N. agencies for failing to distribute it. Relief organizations say deliveries are hindered by Israeli restrictions, lawlessness, and desperation, with food trucks often swarmed by starving civilians upon entry.
A U.S.- and Israeli-backed delivery system, coordinated through an American contractor, has also faced logistical chaos.
Pigott defended the administration’s humanitarian efforts, noting the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation’s work and the distribution of over 90 million meals. “Of course, we want to see the end of devastation that is taking place in Gaza,” he said.
But with diplomacy faltering, the path forward remains uncertain — and the people of Gaza continue to suffer as ceasefire hopes fade once again.
