US and Israel Withdraw from Gaza Ceasefire Talks Due to Alleged Lack of Good Faith from Hamas

The US and Israel have withdrawn from Gaza ceasefire negotiations, citing Hamas' alleged lack of good faith. Mediators had been working for over two weeks to secure a deal for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages. Pressure is mounting to end the fighting that has led to a dire humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Olofofo

Jul 25, 2025 - 12:40

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US and Israel Withdraw from Gaza Ceasefire Talks Due to Alleged Lack of Good Faith from Hamas

The US and Israel have withdrawn from Gaza ceasefire talks, citing Hamas for the failure to reach a deal. Mediators had been facilitating discussions between Israeli and Hamas representatives in Qatar for over two weeks in an attempt to secure a breakthrough in indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and the release of Israeli hostages after nearly two years of conflict.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed that his government is still pursuing a ceasefire, despite recalling its negotiators from Doha following accusations against Hamas for obstructing an agreement. There is increasing pressure to achieve a ceasefire due to Israel's ongoing military operations affecting over 2 million Palestinians in Gaza, leading to a severe humanitarian crisis and concerns of widespread starvation.

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas for not acting in good faith during the talks and announced the US's withdrawal from the negotiations. He highlighted that Hamas' response indicated a lack of willingness to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. Witkoff stated that Washington will explore alternative approaches to secure the release of hostages and establish a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.

A Palestinian source familiar with the discussions revealed that Hamas proposed amendments related to aid entry, maps outlining Israeli army withdrawal areas, and guarantees for a permanent resolution to the conflict. Aid organizations have faced challenges in obtaining permissions from Israel for their essential operations and ensuring safe transportation of supplies to required locations within an active war zone.

According to the health ministry, Israel's military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of 59,587 Palestinians, predominantly civilians, since Hamas' attack on Israel in October 2023, which claimed the lives of over 1,200 individuals, most of whom were civilians. Out of the 251 hostages taken during the attack, 49 remain in Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting that 27 of them are deceased.