The US is ending negotiations with Hamas. The organization is reportedly unwilling to reach a ceasefire for Gaza. The US government is now considering"alternative options" for bringing the hostages home.

In the struggle for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has accused the radical Islamist Hamas of a lack of will to reach an agreement. The US has decided to withdraw its delegation from the negotiating venue in Doha to continue consultations in Washington, Witkoff explained in online media on Thursday. The reason is the Palestinian organization's recent response to an Israeli ceasefire proposal, which"clearly demonstrates that there is no willingness to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza," he added.

"While the mediators have made every effort, Hamas does not appear to be acting in a coordinated or good-faith manner," Witkoff continued. The US government is therefore"considering alternative options in bringing the hostages home and attempting to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza," the special envoy explained."It is a disgrace that Hamas has acted so selfishly."

Israel had previously recalled its negotiators for consultations. This was also a reaction to Hamas's response to the previous Israeli proposal, according to the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The aim was a ceasefire and the release of the hostages

In the statement, Netanyahu's office thanked the mediators Qatar and Egypt, as well as Witkoff, for their"efforts" to achieve a "breakthrough in the negotiations." Netanyahu's office had previously announced that it had received Hamas's response and was reviewing it.

Hamas's response included proposed amendments to clauses on the delivery of humanitarian aid, maps of the areas from which the Israeli army is to withdraw, and guarantees for a lasting end to the war, according to Palestinian sources familiar with the ongoing talks in Doha.

Representatives of Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip held indirect talks in Doha, mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, to reach an agreement leading to a ceasefire and the release of the Israeli hostages. For more than two weeks, there has been no breakthrough in the talks. Both sides accuse each other of not giving in on their key demands.

For Israel, the complete destruction of Hamas is non-negotiable, while Hamas demands firm guarantees for a permanent ceasefire, the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops, and unhindered access of humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory.

Of the 251 hostages kidnapped in Hamas's attack on Israel in October 2023, 49 are still being held in the Gaza Strip – 27 of them are dead, according to the Israeli army.

Meanwhile, Israel is coming under increasing pressure due to the devastating humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. More than 100 aid organizations warned on Wednesday of"mass starvation" in the Palestinian territory.