Both Israel and the United States withdrew their negotiators from Qatar on Thursday, halting weeks of indirect discussions with Hamas aimed at securing a ceasefire and hostage release agreement in Gaza.
U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff criticized Hamas’s latest position as “self-centered,” accusing the group of lacking coordination and sincerity in the negotiation process. Israeli officials, however, took a more cautious tone, with a senior source indicating that the delegation’s return did not represent a breakdown in talks, and that negotiations would now proceed from Israel.
The indirect negotiations, hosted in Doha since July 6, have centered on a potential agreement involving the release of 10 living hostages and the remains of 18 deceased individuals held in Gaza. In return, Israel would free an as-yet-undetermined number of Palestinian security detainees, and a 60-day truce would be implemented.
A senior Israeli official told reporters on Thursday that the return of Israel’s negotiating delegation should not be seen as a sign of breakdown in the talks, emphasizing that “there has been no blow-up, no collapse.”
However, the official also pointed to Hamas’s stance as a clear reflection of its “unfortunate and obstructionist attitude.”
According to the official, Hamas’s latest response — delivered to mediators at 2:30 a.m. Thursday — makes it impossible to move forward without a change in the group’s position. “Progress will require reassessing options, in coordination with both the mediators and internally,” the official added.
There are still gaps between the sides on all the topics, the official said, but he asserted that “progress has been made” in the 18 days of talks in Doha.
Hamas group
“We reached the stage where we actually need to return, and we will return here as soon as the right way is found to reduce the gaps and reach the closing stage,” he said.
The official stated that Hamas has yet to show any willingness to compromise on two central issues — the demilitarization of Gaza and a definitive end to the war. He also acknowledged that challenges remain concerning the release of Palestinian prisoners.
Discussions have not yet addressed guarantees for ending the conflict — a core demand from Hamas — nor the logistical aspects of implementing any potential agreement, the official noted. However, he expressed confidence that such matters could be resolved quickly once progress is made.
Israel believes that Hamas is genuinely interested in reaching a deal, the official added, emphasizing that the Israeli delegation will resume its efforts immediately upon returning. He commended Egypt and Qatar for their active and determined involvement throughout the 18 days of negotiations, saying both countries had played a “very, very significant” role.
“I remain pragmatic,” the official concluded, “and I believe there is still room to narrow the differences and reach an agreement.”
