Israel Withdraws Negotiation Team from Doha as Tensions Escalate with Hamas
Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's decision to pull back his delegation sparks accusations from Hamas of deception and a lack of sincere commitment to peace.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the withdrawal of his high-level negotiation team from Doha, Qatar, back to Tel Aviv for consultations, while the Islamic Resistance Movement, Hamas, has accused Israel of misleading the global community and lacking seriousness in negotiating a ceasefire to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Netanyahu's office indicated that while the senior negotiation team is returning to Israel, a technical team will remain in Doha.
This decision comes one week after intensive discussions took place in the Qatari capital.
According to Netanyahu's office, Israel accepted a proposal from U.S. special envoy Stephen Witetkov regarding the release of hostages, which is based on Witetkov's plan.
However, Hamas has rejected this proposal.
Israel's Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, stated that Hamas has only one option: to release hostages, warning that the group would pay a high price for its obstinacy as it faces intense military operations.
Zamir also threatened to expand ground operations and seize control of areas to dismantle what he referred to as terrorist infrastructure, affirming that the Israeli military is prepared to adjust its activities in light of any potential agreement.
In reaction, the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed that the withdrawal of the negotiation team indicates the government lacks a concrete plan to halt the conflict, which they argue jeopardizes the lives of hostages and puts soldiers at risk.
They released a statement emphasizing that a significant portion of the Israeli public supports returning all hostages, even if it means agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
A poll conducted by Channel 13 revealed that 67% of Israelis favor a deal to end the war and secure the return of all hostages, with only 22% opposed to such a deal.
On the other hand, Hamas condemned Netanyahu for what it describes as his deceptive efforts to create a false narrative of engaging in negotiations that lack the authority to yield a meaningful resolution.
The movement criticized recent statements made regarding aid to the Gaza Strip, characterizing them as attempts to mislead the international community, noting that no aid trucks had entered Gaza, including those reportedly arriving at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Hamas further stated that intensified attacks and deliberate bombardment of civilian infrastructure exemplify Netanyahu's unwillingness to consider any settlement, asserting that the Israeli government bears full responsibility for undermining ceasefire efforts amid declarations from its officials about continuing military actions and displacing Palestinians from their homes.
Hamas has expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of external parties and confirmed its commitment to positively engaging with any initiatives that could stop the violence.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced that Qatar, in coordination with Egypt and the United States, continues its efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a speech at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, he mentioned that following the release of a certain individual, there was an expectation that this would end the Gaza crisis; however, the response was characterized by intensified bombing.
Al-Thani highlighted a significant gap between the negotiating parties that hampers reaching an agreement in the current Doha talks.
Responding to inquiries about Israel's ground operations in multiple locations within Gaza, the Qatari Prime Minister affirmed that the resolution to the conflict lies in diplomatic efforts.
White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a ceasefire in Gaza alongside the release of all hostages.
Levitt stated during a press briefing that the U.S. administration continues to communicate with both parties involved in the conflict and has made clear to Hamas the expectation to release the hostages.
Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, indicated that progress toward an agreement in Gaza is becoming increasingly tangible.
He emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue in Doha.
Recent reports indicate that U.S. pressure on Israel has intensified, with officials close to Trump warning Israeli leadership that U.S. support may wane if the conflict in Gaza does not conclude.
Netanyahu's office indicated that while the senior negotiation team is returning to Israel, a technical team will remain in Doha.
This decision comes one week after intensive discussions took place in the Qatari capital.
According to Netanyahu's office, Israel accepted a proposal from U.S. special envoy Stephen Witetkov regarding the release of hostages, which is based on Witetkov's plan.
However, Hamas has rejected this proposal.
Israel's Chief of Staff, Eyal Zamir, stated that Hamas has only one option: to release hostages, warning that the group would pay a high price for its obstinacy as it faces intense military operations.
Zamir also threatened to expand ground operations and seize control of areas to dismantle what he referred to as terrorist infrastructure, affirming that the Israeli military is prepared to adjust its activities in light of any potential agreement.
In reaction, the families of Israeli hostages in Gaza expressed that the withdrawal of the negotiation team indicates the government lacks a concrete plan to halt the conflict, which they argue jeopardizes the lives of hostages and puts soldiers at risk.
They released a statement emphasizing that a significant portion of the Israeli public supports returning all hostages, even if it means agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza.
A poll conducted by Channel 13 revealed that 67% of Israelis favor a deal to end the war and secure the return of all hostages, with only 22% opposed to such a deal.
On the other hand, Hamas condemned Netanyahu for what it describes as his deceptive efforts to create a false narrative of engaging in negotiations that lack the authority to yield a meaningful resolution.
The movement criticized recent statements made regarding aid to the Gaza Strip, characterizing them as attempts to mislead the international community, noting that no aid trucks had entered Gaza, including those reportedly arriving at the Kerem Shalom crossing.
Hamas further stated that intensified attacks and deliberate bombardment of civilian infrastructure exemplify Netanyahu's unwillingness to consider any settlement, asserting that the Israeli government bears full responsibility for undermining ceasefire efforts amid declarations from its officials about continuing military actions and displacing Palestinians from their homes.
Hamas has expressed appreciation for the mediation efforts of external parties and confirmed its commitment to positively engaging with any initiatives that could stop the violence.
Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani announced that Qatar, in coordination with Egypt and the United States, continues its efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza.
In a speech at the Qatar Economic Forum in Doha, he mentioned that following the release of a certain individual, there was an expectation that this would end the Gaza crisis; however, the response was characterized by intensified bombing.
Al-Thani highlighted a significant gap between the negotiating parties that hampers reaching an agreement in the current Doha talks.
Responding to inquiries about Israel's ground operations in multiple locations within Gaza, the Qatari Prime Minister affirmed that the resolution to the conflict lies in diplomatic efforts.
White House spokesperson Caroline Levitt confirmed that U.S. President Donald Trump seeks a ceasefire in Gaza alongside the release of all hostages.
Levitt stated during a press briefing that the U.S. administration continues to communicate with both parties involved in the conflict and has made clear to Hamas the expectation to release the hostages.
Adam Boehler, the U.S. Special Envoy for Hostage Affairs, indicated that progress toward an agreement in Gaza is becoming increasingly tangible.
He emphasized the necessity of a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel continue in Doha.
Recent reports indicate that U.S. pressure on Israel has intensified, with officials close to Trump warning Israeli leadership that U.S. support may wane if the conflict in Gaza does not conclude.
