The American and Israeli delegations are withdrawing from Qatar on Thursday after weeks of negotiations. This means a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas remains far off. U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accuses Hamas of “a lack of willingness” to reach an agreement.
“We will now explore alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people in Gaza,” Witkoff writes in a statement on X.
The American and Israeli delegations decided to withdraw on Thursday after a response from Hamas to a ceasefire proposal. It is unclear exactly what Hamas said.
Representatives from Israel and Hamas have been negotiating in the Qatari capital Doha since July 6. They discussed a ceasefire, the release of Israeli hostages and Palestinian prisoners, the withdrawal of Israeli soldiers from Gaza, and humanitarian aid. Qatar, Egypt, and U.S. envoy Witkoff are involved as mediators.
An Israeli official said on Thursday that Hamas’ response to the negotiations was not sufficient to make progress, but that Israel does intend to continue the talks. Earlier, the Israeli news channel Kan quoted an anonymous source involved in the talks. They stated that the talks had not failed.
Situation in Gaza deteriorates
Both Israel and Hamas are under pressure at home and abroad as the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, according to news agency Reuters. For example, Israelis are concerned about the conditions under which the remaining hostages are being held.
More than a hundred aid organizations sounded the alarm on Wednesday about famine in Gaza. “We see our own colleagues and partners withering away before our eyes,” they said in a joint statement.
According to the aid organizations, there are “tons” of food, water and medicine in warehouses in and just outside Gaza.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) has been in charge of aid since the end of May. According to the United Nations, 1,054 Palestinians have died at food aid points of that organization since May 27.