Middle East US and Israel Pull Negotiators Amid Gaza Ceasefire Deadlock

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Picture courtesy of Reuters via CNN

 

In a dramatic turn, the US has recalled its negotiating team from Doha, casting doubt on a Gaza ceasefire. US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff slammed Hamas' latest response, indicating it shows "a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire."

 

Witkoff expressed the US's shift to explore alternative strategies to secure the release of hostages and stabilise conditions in Gaza. This decisive move clouds earlier optimism about reaching a truce, leaving diplomatic efforts in question.

 

Despite recent hopes spurred by Hamas' proposal, Witkoff emphasised that their actions seem uncoordinated and insincere. The US remains committed to seeking a conflict resolution, but patience appears to be wearing thin.

 

Simultaneously, Israel has pulled their team from Qatar, though officials deny it signals a negotiation crisis. According to Israeli sources, in-person decisions are needed, driving their team’s return.

 

Another official described Hamas' response as "positive" and acknowledged narrowing gaps in negotiations. Yet, this optimism faces a hard reality as international patience is tested.

 

The withdrawal of both teams places future diplomatic manoeuvres on unstable ground. The world watches closely as tensions persist and pathways to peace become more elusive.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from [source] 2025-07-25