Hamas works in bad faith? Witkoff withdrew the negotiators from conversations on suspension of weapons in gas

A special US envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced on Thursday that the American team of negotiators will leave the conversations in Qatar on the suspension of weapons prematurely. He justified the decision by Hamas “in bad faith”.

“We decided to bring our team from AD-Dauha to the country to consultation after the last reply of Hamas, which clearly indicates the lack of will to achieve the suspension of weapons in the Gaza Strip. Although the mediators made huge efforts, Hamas apparently does not act in coordinating or in good faith,” he wrote in a statement on the platform X Witkoff. He announced that his team would “consider alternative options to bring hostages home and try to create a more stable situation for the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip.”

“It is a pity that Hamas acted in such an egoistic way. We are determined to strive to end this conflict and lasting peace in the Gaza Strip,” he concluded. He did not specify what “alternative options” would mean.

Witkoff's decision – which, according to the announcement, was supposed to have meetings about the Gaza Strip in Europe on Thursday – means another failure in conversations regarding the agreement on the suspension of weapons.

According to reports, the agreement would include a 60-day arms suspension, under which Hamas would gradually release 10 live hostages and transfer the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. Deliveries of humanitarian aid would be increased, and both parties would negotiate on a permanent truce.

The Reuters agency estimates that the talks were sticked because of the contradictory demands of the end of the war. Hamas claims that he will free all hostages only in exchange for the complete withdrawal of Israel and the end of the war. Israel claims that he will not agree to end the war until Hamas gives power and disarm, which is a condition rejected by the fighters.

A spokesman for the Department of State Tommy Piggot refused to develop and explain the Witkoff's statement.

Talks in Qatar took place between Israel and Hamas, but through Egypt and Qatar and with the support of the USA. Earlier on Thursday, the Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu announced the withdrawal of his negotiating team for consulting.

From Washington Oskar Górzyński (PAP)

OSK/ Kar/