US halts Gaza talks, says Hamas lacks desire for peace
The US has withdrawn its negotiating team from Qatar, halting ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas, citing Hamas’ apparent unwillingness to reach an agreement, as reported by France 24 via The Associated Press on July 25th.
US President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff claimed that the most recent response from Hamas “shows a lack of desire” to achieve a ceasefire deal.
“Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff 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.”
The State Department declined to clarify what those “alternative options” might be. Spokesperson Tommy Pigott repeated Washington’s commitment to ending the war but offered no specifics.
Hamas responded with surprise at Witkoff’s remarks and insisted it had acted responsibly. In a statement, the group said it responded positively to all the comments it received, remained keen to reach an agreement, and reaffirmed a desire to “engage in a way that would ease obstacles and ensure reaching a permanent ceasefire.”
Earlier on July 24th, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled his negotiating team, blaming Hamas’ position. His office acknowledged the efforts of mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt without providing further comment.
The proposed deal would have included a 60-day ceasefire, the phased release of 10 living hostages and 18 bodies by Hamas, and increased humanitarian aid, followed by negotiations towards a lasting truce. Talks stalled over key issues: Hamas demands full Israeli withdrawal and an end to the conflict before releasing all hostages; Israel refuses to end the war unless Hamas relinquishes power and arms.
Trump, who met Netanyahu in Washington this month, had positioned himself as a peacemaker. Despite efforts and an evident alliance, demonstrated through joint strikes on Iran, no breakthrough emerged between Israel and Iran.
Meanwhile, Gaza’s humanitarian crisis deepens. The UN warns almost 100,000 women and children face acute malnutrition. Aid groups report chaos, blocked deliveries, and rising hunger-related deaths.
Israel continues to face growing international condemnation over its blockade and a chaotic aid system.
France 24 via The Associated Press, Maghrebi.org
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