No Sincere Interest from Hamas in Ceasefire Talks, Says U.S. Envoy as Delegation Withdraws

No Sincere Interest from Hamas in Ceasefire Talks, Says U.S. Envoy as Delegation Withdraws

[Washington, July 25, 2025] — The United States and Israel have withdrawn their delegations from ongoing ceasefire negotiations over Gaza, citing a lack of sincerity from Hamas regarding the latest proposal. U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas’s recent response showed “no genuine interest in a ceasefire.”

In a statement on Thursday, Witkoff said:
“While the mediators — Qatar, Egypt, and the United States — have made significant efforts, there is no sign of coordination or goodwill from Hamas.”
He added that the U.S. would now explore “alternative ways to secure the release of hostages and create a stable environment for Gaza.”

On the same day, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that the Israeli delegation participating in talks in Qatar had also been called back.

Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks. In a statement, it said,
“Hamas is sincerely participating in the negotiations with the aim of overcoming obstacles to a permanent ceasefire agreement.”

Earlier in the day, Hamas submitted its latest response to the ceasefire framework proposed by the mediators (Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S.). Netanyahu’s office acknowledged receipt of the response and said it was under review, though neither side has disclosed the details of the proposal.

With the humanitarian crisis and hunger in Gaza reaching critical levels, international pressure is mounting for a ceasefire. Israel’s strict blockade has severely disrupted the supply of food, medicine, and humanitarian aid.

According to the United Nations and various aid agencies, at least 115 people in Gaza — most in recent weeks — have died from malnutrition since the Israeli offensive began.

“Hamas has acted selfishly, and that is unfortunate,” Witkoff said, adding, “But the United States remains committed to ending the war in Gaza.”
Notably, Witkoff is a businessman with no prior formal diplomatic experience before being appointed to this role.

The current proposal under discussion reportedly includes a 60-day ceasefire. Under its terms, Hamas would release 10 living hostages and return the bodies of 18 others. In return, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners, increase humanitarian aid deliveries, and continue negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire.

However, the key sticking points between the two sides remain unclear. It is believed that disagreements center around what kind of governance or security structure would be implemented in Gaza after the ceasefire.

Israel has repeatedly stated its intention to maintain a long-term military presence in Gaza and aims to completely defeat Hamas — a goal many international experts view as unrealistic and inhumane.

Previously, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz proposed the creation of a so-called “humanitarian city” in Gaza, with plans to forcibly relocate Palestinians there — a move widely condemned as a violation of international law.

Even within Israel, this plan has drawn criticism, with many fearing it could derail ceasefire efforts and jeopardize the release of the remaining hostages.