US cuts short Gaza ceasefire talks, brings team home

President Donald Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday the US is cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks and bringing home its negotiating team from Gatar for consultations after the latest response from Hamas “shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.”

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“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”

He said it was “ashame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way” and that the US is “resolute” in seeking an end to the conflict in Gaza.

Israel brought its delegation home from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on Thursday after Hamas delivered a new response to a proposal for a truce and hostages deal.

The Israeli prime minister's office thanked mediators for their efforts and said the negotiators were returning home for “further consultations.” Earlier it said Israel was reviewing the response from the Palestinian group.

Both sides are facing pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating sharply amidst acute hunger that has shocked the world, and Israelis worried about the conditions in which hostages are held.