US envoy Steve Witkoff confirms Gaza negotiation collapse

DOHA/GAZA – U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff wrote in a statement published on social media: “We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” adding, “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.”

Witkoff noted that Washington will now consider “alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”

The U.S. official added, “It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way,” reaffirming Washington’s desire to “end this conflict and bring lasting peace to Gaza.”

In the same context, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement saying: “It has been decided to return the negotiating team to Israel for further consultations after receiving Hamas’ response to the proposed truce in the Gaza Strip,” adding, “We appreciate the efforts of the mediators, Qatar and Egypt, and of US envoy Steve Witkoff in seeking a breakthrough in the talks.”