Trump accuses Hamas of rejecting deal in Gaza ceasefire talks

A Palestinian woman walks past damaged buildings after an Israeli strike on the Bureij refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip.

US President Donald Trump stated that Hamas showed little interest in reaching a new Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. The US and Israel withdrew their negotiating teams from Qatar following this development.

US envoy Steve Witkoff mentioned that Hamas' response to the latest proposal indicated a lack of willingness. He suggested exploring alternative options to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas, a sentiment echoed by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Hamas did not immediately respond to Trump's remarks. However, the group expressed surprise at what they deemed as negative comments from Witkoff. An official from Hamas mentioned that Israeli negotiators were expected to return to Doha the following week.

All parties involved in the negotiations, including mediators from the US, Qatar, and Egypt, acknowledge significant gaps on crucial matters such as Israeli troop withdrawals, aid distribution, and a lasting cessation of hostilities.

The talks have faced challenges in reaching an agreement on a proposed 60-day ceasefire, involving the release of Israeli hostages by Hamas in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Currently, 50 hostages remain in Gaza, with at least 20 believed to be alive.

In Gaza, the humanitarian situation is deteriorating rapidly, with reports of increasing malnutrition and mass starvation. The UN and Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) have highlighted the urgent need for aid and assistance in the region.

Israel, which controls the entry of supplies into Gaza, has denied responsibility for food shortages, attributing the crisis to Hamas. The Israeli military campaign in Gaza was initiated in response to an attack by Hamas on southern Israel in October 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages.

The situation remains complex, with ongoing efforts to negotiate a ceasefire and address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.