Israel, US consider ‘alternative’ options to return captives as Hamas affirms commitment to talks

CAIRO – 25 July 2025: Israel and the US have threatened to resort to “alternative” options to bring captives back home after both countries said on Thursday that they withdrew their negotiators from ceasefire talks in Qatar.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel is now considering "alternative" options to achieve its objectives of returning captives still held in Gaza and ending the rule of Hamas in the territory, Reuters reported.

US President Donald Trump also said he believes Hamas does not want to reach a truce deal and that the movement’s leaders will now be "hunted down."

Their remarks come after Hamas handed over its response to a US-backed proposal for implementing a 60-day truce, during which 10 living Israeli captives will be released in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and more aid would enter the enclave.

US special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of undermining the mediator’s efforts, saying the movement is not “acting in good faith.”

He warned that the US 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.”

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.

The talks are facing a setback while the war in Gaza killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians since it started in October 2023, devastated infrastructure, left most of health facilities inoperable and pushed the enclave toward imminent famine.