US, Israel withdraw from Gaza talks, considering alternative options

WASHINGTON/JERUSALEM: US envoy Steve Witkoff on Thursday announced Washington was joining Israel in pulling negotiators back from Gaza peace talks in the Qatari capital, accusing Hamas of not “acting in good faith”.

“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” Witkoff posted on social media. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.”

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At the same time, Witkoff said Washington would now “consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”

NETANYAHU THREATENS

On the other hand, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Hamas should not view his country’s willingness to reach a truce deal in Gaza as a “weakness”.

“We are working to reach another deal for the release of our hostages. But if Hamas interprets our willingness to reach a deal as weakness, as an opportunity to dictate surrender terms that would endanger the State of Israel, it is gravely mistaken,” he said in a speech.

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On the other hand, Reuter reported that an Israeli official with knowledge of the talks said the answer presented by Hamas to the most recent ceasefire proposal “does not allow for progress without a concession” by the group but that Israel intended to continue discussions.

UK PUSHES FOR CEASEFIRE

Meanwhile in Europe, Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would hold an “emergency call” Friday with France and Germany on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging a ceasefire and steps towards Palestinian statehood.

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“I will hold an emergency call with E3 partners tomorrow, where we will discuss what we can do urgently to stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need while pulling together all the steps necessary to build a lasting peace,” he said in a statement Thursday.

“A ceasefire will put us on a path to the recognition of a Palestinian state and a two-state solution which guarantees peace and security for Palestinians and Israelis.”