A government official told the hostages' families that the Israeli team's return is meant to help bridge the gaps with Hamas' proposal. An Israeli source told Haaretz earlier Thursday that Hamas' response had been promising
U.S. President Donald Trump's envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced Thursday that the U.S. is recalling its team from Israel-Hamas cease-fire negotiations in Doha following what he described as a "selfish" and unconstructive response from Hamas.
In a statement posted on X, Witkoff accused the group of showing "a lack of desire" to reach an agreement and said the U.S. would now consider "alternative options to bring the hostages home" and pursue a more stable future for Gaza.
Earlier on Thursday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office said that the Israeli delegation negotiating for a cease-fire in Gaza would return to Israel, "in light of Hamas' response this morning."
"We appreciate the efforts of the mediators Qatar and Egypt and the efforts of [the U.S. Middle East] envoy Witkoff to bring about a breakthrough in the talks," the statement read.
