US, Israel Withdraw Teams from Gaza Truce Talks After Hamas Proposal

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Talha Gulzar

US, Israel Withdraw Teams from Gaza Truce Talks After Hamas Proposal

The United States and Israel have pulled their teams from ongoing Gaza truce negotiations following a new proposal from Hamas. The decision came after U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff said the group showed “a lack of desire” to reach a ceasefire.

Witkoff announced the withdrawal on Thursday, hours after Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office confirmed its delegation had also left the talks in Qatar. The two countries had been working with mediators from Egypt and Qatar to end the months-long conflict.

Hamas, however, responded with surprise. In a statement, it said it was committed to continuing negotiations and reaching a permanent ceasefire agreement.

Earlier in the day, Hamas submitted a revised response to a proposed 60-day truce plan. This framework included the release of hostages by Hamas and Palestinian prisoners by Israel, with increased humanitarian aid flowing into Gaza. But the details of the sticking points were not shared publicly.

Both sides are facing mounting international pressure as the humanitarian situation worsens. The United Nations says at least 115 people have died from hunger in Gaza since the war began in October 2023. Aid agencies warn of widespread starvation if relief is not delivered soon.

Witkoff criticized Hamas for not acting in good faith and said the U.S. would now consider other options to free hostages and stabilize Gaza. He also noted that the U.S. still aims to end the war, despite the current setback in talks.

Tensions have also risen at aid distribution points. On Thursday, women seeking food said U.S.-backed aid workers used pepper spray and tear gas to control crowds. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which is supported by both the U.S. and Israel, defended its actions as necessary to prevent injuries.

The U.N. has criticized the foundation’s methods, calling them unsafe and biased. According to U.N. data, over 875 people have died near aid sites in recent weeks, most allegedly due to Israeli gunfire.

As hopes for a Gaza truce fade, the human toll continues to rise.

For the latest updates on the Gaza ceasefire talks and Hamas’s response, read more here: Hamas responds to latest Gaza ceasefire proposal.

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