If you’re just joining us, you may remember that the US special envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday recalled US negotiators from Gaza ceasefire talks, saying Hamas was being “selfish” and that it did not appear to be “acting in good faith.” Israel had pulled its negotiators from talks earlier in the day.
If you want to get a quick rundown of developments in talks throughout this week, read here.
Here’s what has happened since the negotiators were recalled:
Hamas response: A senior official of the Hamas political bureau, Basem Naim, said it was not an accurate representation. Naim said that just days ago, Witkoff had said that both sides had agreed on “three out of four points and are close to a breakthrough.” What Hamas presented “can lead to a deal” if Israel “wants one,” he said.
Trump’s reaction: US President Donald Trump said that Hamas did not want to make a deal on a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. The group’s unwillingness to agree to a truce means it’s now time to “finish the job” and “get rid” of the group, he said.
Israel’s stance: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says that Israel is considering “alternative options” to bring hostages home and end Hamas rule in Gaza.
The talks will go on: Egypt and Qatar said they will move forward in mediating for a lasting ceasefire in Gaza, saying in a joint statement that the latest suspension in talks is “normal in the context of these complex negotiations.”
