Ceasefire Talks Break Down as U.S. and Israel Pull Back from Negotiations with Hamas

Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza hit another wall on Thursday, as both the United States and Israel abruptly backed away from ongoing talks in Qatar. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced he’s cutting his trip short, accusing Hamas of showing “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire.”

Shortly after Witkoff’s statement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed that Israel had also recalled its negotiation team from the Gulf state. The moves came just hours after Hamas submitted a new proposal in response to a ceasefire framework drafted by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.

Neither side released details of Hamas’s latest response, but the U.S. and Israel made it clear they weren’t satisfied.

Hamas pushed back against the narrative, calling the U.S. envoy’s statement a surprise and reiterating that it remains committed to reaching a deal.

“The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations,” Hamas said, framing itself as ready to engage constructively if allowed.

Despite the breakdown, pressure on all parties to reach an agreement is intensifying. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to spiral, with food shortages worsening by the day. According to the United Nations and local health authorities, at least 115 people — mostly in the past few weeks — have died from malnutrition since Israel’s military assault on the territory began in October 2023.

“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a statement. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”

The talks were seen as one of the last best chances to halt the war, but as positions harden, the future of any ceasefire deal now looks more uncertain than ever.

With input from Al Jazeera