Steve Witkoff calls off ceasefire negotiations with Hamas

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called off ceasefire negotiations with Hamas on Thursday, saying the terrorist group was not negotiating in good faith.

Witkoff is sending his diplomats home from Doha, Qatar, after multiple failed attempts to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel and the return of the remaining hostages in the Gaza Strip, he announced on X on Thursday. The U.S. and Israeli had previously agreed to a 60-day ceasefire proposal in early July, but Hamas was reticent to the deal and proposed modifications the Israelis reportedly found unacceptable.

“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” Witkoff announced on X on Thursday. “While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”

We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good…

— Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) July 24, 2025

Witkoff previously said in early July that he was “hopeful” that a deal would be reached for a ceasefire. The only previous ceasefire between Hamas and Israel lasted only three months between January and March 2025, and the conflict resumed shortly thereafter due to failed negotiations over the remaining hostages in Hamas captivity.

As of July, there are around 50 remaining hostages left in the Gaza Strip, with at least 27 believed to be dead.

One of Hamas’ main demands is a guarantee that the war will not start again, which Israel has only said they would agree to if Hamas demilitarized completely.

The State Department declined to comment beyond Witkoff’s statement.

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