White House Special Envoy Steve Witkoff listens during a meeting between President Donald Trump and Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in the Blue Room of the White House, Monday, July 7, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon)
Despite the current pause, Israeli negotiators continued engaging with mediators before departing Qatar and plan to remain in contact from Israel.
By Vered Weiss, World Israel News
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the U.S. government signaled a shift in hostage negotiations with Hamas on Thursday, as both countries pulled their negotiation teams from Qatar.
The move follows what officials described as an unproductive response from Hamas during nearly three weeks of mediation efforts in Doha aimed at reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of hostages held in Gaza.
U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff confirmed Washington’s decision to withdraw, stating that the Trump administration is now reassessing its approach.
“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said.
An Israeli official, speaking anonymously, clarified that the withdrawal does not signify a breakdown in the talks.
“There was no explosion, no collapse,” the official said, while noting significant disagreements remain, particularly over Hamas’ unwillingness to accept demilitarization or discuss an end to the conflict.
According to Israeli sources, Hamas had offered to exchange 200 Palestinian security prisoners for 10 Israeli hostages, a proposal that was firmly rejected by Israel.
Despite the current pause, Israeli negotiators continued engaging with mediators before departing Qatar and plan to remain in contact from Israel.
Both the U.S. and Israeli governments commended the efforts of Qatari and Egyptian mediators, who have played a central role in facilitating the dialogue.
While talks may resume in the future, core issues remain unresolved. Israel is pushing for firm security guarantees and the unconditional return of hostages, whereas Hamas is demanding a complete end to the war and wider political concessions.
“If Hamas sees our willingness to negotiate as weakness, an opening to impose surrender terms that would threaten Israel’s security, they are gravely mistaken,” Netanyahu said during a speech at a state ceremony honoring Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky.
He reaffirmed Israel’s commitment to achieving its war objectives and vowed to secure the return of all remaining hostages.
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