The US withdraws from the negotiations for the armistice in Gaza. Steve Witkoff: “Hamas acted selfishly”
Steve Witkoff Photo: Evelyn Hockstein / AP / Profimedia
President Donald Trump's special envoy for the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced on Thursday that Washington interrupts the discussions for ceasing fire in Gaza and brings his home team for Consultations, after the last answer from Hamas “shows the lack of a desire to reach an Armistice in Gaza,” the ASSOCATED (AS).
“While mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not seem to be coordinated or act in good faith,” Witkoff said. “Now we will consider alternative options to bring home hostages and try to create a more stable environment for the population in Gaza,” says Donald Trump's envoy.
It is not clear what “alternative options” take into account the US, notes AP. The White House did not have any comment immediately, and the State Department did not respond immediately to the messages, the US news agency mentions.
Negotiations over a few weeks
For months, Donald Trump's republican administration has failed to make progress in discussions for a fire termination between Israel and Hamas, while the conditions are getting worse in Gaza. The territory recently had the most deadly day for the population in over 21 months of war, at least 85 Palestinians being killed on Sunday while trying to reach food.
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The parties had discussions for several weeks in Qatar, announcing small encouraging signs, but without major progress. Officials said that the main blockage point is the development of Israeli troops after any cessation of fire will take place.
Witkoff gave assurances that the United States is “determined” in an attempt to put an end to the conflict in Gaza and said it was “a pity that Hamas acted in this selfish way.”
Israel requires Hamas disarmament
Earlier on Thursday, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, also recalled his country's negotiating team to Israel. In a brief statement, the prime minister's office expressed his appreciation for Witkoff's efforts and Qatar and Egypt mediators, but did not provide other details.
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It was expected that the agreement discussed to include a 60 -day fire cease, in which Hamas will release 10 hostages in life and the remains of 18 others, in stages, in exchange for the Palestinians imprisoned by Israel. The aid would have been intensified, and the two sides would have been negotiating for a lasting armistice.
However, the discussions have been implemented due to the contradictory conditions for the cessation of the war. Hamas claims that he will free all hostages only in exchange for a total withdrawal of Israel and the cessation of the war. Israel states that he will not agree to put an end to the war until Hamas gives up power and disarms, a condition that the militant group rejects.
