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Hamas has disputed comments made by U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff, who criticized the group’s stance in ongoing ceasefire talks and reported that negotiators were leaving Qatar on Thursday.
In a statement, Hamas expressed “surprise” at Witkoff’s “negative” remarks, asserting that mediators had welcomed its “constructive and positive” position. Newsweek has reached out to the U.S. State Department and Israel’s prime minister’s office for further comment.
The deadlock in ceasefire talks has significantly impacted hopes of an imminent ceasefire for Gaza, marking a setback after months of diplomatic efforts by Egypt and Qatar. Washington attributes this stalemate to Hamas, blaming the group for prolonging the conflict and obstructing humanitarian aid.
Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis continues to put pressure on Israel. If negotiations completely collapse, releasing remaining Israeli hostages in Gaza becomes less likely.
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U.S. and Israeli delegations recalled their negotiating teams from Doha following Hamas’s response to a proposal that included a 60-day truce, phased hostage releases, and improved humanitarian aid access. Witkoff, appointed by former President Donald Trump, criticized Hamas for lacking “good faith” in the negotiations. In contrast, Hamas stated that its position was positive, constructive, and supported by other mediators.
The war has been ongoing since Hamas’s October 2023 attack on Israel, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and around 250 individuals kidnapped into Gaza. Israel is now expanding ground operations and airstrikes across the strip, reportedly killing nearly 60,000 Palestinians according to the Gaza-run health ministry. Nearly 900 Israeli soldiers have been killed, while some 20 hostages are believed to still be alive.
**Hamas in Arabic statement via Telegram:** “The movement submitted its latest response after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly countries, and responded positively to all the observations it received, reflecting a sincere commitment to the success of the mediators’ efforts and constructive engagement with all presented initiatives. We express our surprise at the negative statements by the U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff towards the movement’s position, at a time when the mediators expressed their welcome and satisfaction with this constructive and positive stance, which opens the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.”
**U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff:** “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
**Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office on X:** “In light of the response conveyed by Hamas this morning, it has been decided to return the negotiating team for additional consultations in Israel. We appreciate the efforts by the mediators, Qatar, and Egypt, and the efforts of envoy Witkoff, to achieve a breakthrough in the negotiations.”
The U.S. remains unclear about its alternative approach for securing the release of Israeli hostages and creating a more stable environment.
*Hamas fighters deploy and take up positions ahead of the release of Israeli Ofer Kalderon, who has been held hostage by Hamas in Gaza since October 7, 2023.*
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What was Hamas's reaction to U.S. Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff's comments during the ceasefire talks?
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