Hamas says committed to Gaza ceasefire talks as Witkoff threatens ‘alternative options’

CAIRO – 25 July 2025: Talks to stop the Israeli war that has killed nearly 60,000 people in Gaza are facing another setback as the US decided on Thursday to pull negotiators from Qatar and accused Hamas of not “acting in good faith.”

Israel also said on Thursday that it withdrew its negotiating team from the Qatari capital, Doha, for further consultation after Hamas handed over its response to a ceasefire proposal.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said Hamas’s response is under review without disclosing the content.

The office commended the efforts of mediators Egypt and Qatar as well as the efforts of US special envoy Steve Witkoff “to bring about a breakthrough in the talks.”

An Israeli source close to the talks denied that the talks have collapsed, according to Kan TV News, noting that withdrawing the team for consultations is a “coordinated move between all parties.”

‘Alternative Options’

The US, however, has adopted a sharper tone, accusing Hamas of undermining the mediator’s efforts and warning that it will consider “alternative options” to secure the return of the captives still held in Gaza.

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

Sources told Al Arabiya that the mediators convened a session to prevent the collapse of the talks.

Hamas said in a statement early Friday that they were “surprised by the negative statements” made by Witkoff regarding the movement’s position, while the mediators “have expressed their welcome and satisfaction with the [movement’s] constructive and positive stance that paves the way for a comprehensive agreement.”

Commitment to Talks

Hamas asserted that they have approached the negotiation process with “a high level of national responsibility and flexibility across various issues, aiming to reach an agreement that halts the aggression and alleviates the suffering of people.”

They added that their final response to the ceasefire proposal followed extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly countries, and that they positively addressed all feedback received.

Hamas said their stance reflects “a sincere commitment to supporting the mediators' efforts and constructively interacting with all proposed initiatives.”

Hamas reiterates its commitment to continuing negotiations and engaging in efforts that contribute to overcoming obstacles and achieving a lasting ceasefire agreement.