Trump officials explain why US pulled out of Gaza peace talks
Trump’s Special Envoy Steve Witkoff (Photo: Getty Images)
The US is suspending ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip and is pulling its negotiating team out of Qatar, states Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff.
According to him, the team is being recalled to discuss next steps after Hamas’ latest response shows no willingness to reach a truce.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. 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 said.
At the same time, US State Department spokesperson Tommy Pigott declined to reveal details about the alternative options the US is considering to free the hostages.
In a statement, Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s negative remarks and claimed it had shown responsibility and flexibility during the negotiations.
When asked whether the US would continue pushing for a ceasefire in Gaza and how, Pigott did not provide a clear answer, telling reporters it was a very dynamic situation.
He emphasized that the US commitment to achieving a ceasefire had never been in question and blamed Hamas for the lack of progress.
According to Witkoff, the United States remains determined to end the conflict in the Gaza Strip and said it was shameful that Hamas acted in such a selfish way.
Ceasefire negotiations in the Gaza Strip
According to the Associated Press, the Trump administration has so far failed to secure a breakthrough in a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, despite 21 months of war and a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
The parties have held several weeks of talks in Qatar, showing only minor signs of progress without any breakthroughs. Officials said the main sticking point remains the redeployment of Israeli troops following any agreed-upon ceasefire.
In a statement released Friday morning, Hamas said it had delivered its final response after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and regional countries.
The group stated it had responded positively to all feedback received, demonstrating its genuine commitment to the success of mediation efforts and a constructive approach to the proposed initiatives.
Hamas reaffirmed its willingness to continue negotiations and act to remove obstacles and ensure a permanent ceasefire is achieved.
A few days earlier, US State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce announced that Israel and Hamas had agreed on the framework for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the establishment of a humanitarian corridor. In connection with this, Witkoff traveled to the region for further negotiations.
