Trump envoy says US delegation returning from Doha after Hamas response to ceasefire proposal

​​​​​​​WASHINGTON

The US delegation participating in Gaza ceasefire talks will return to Washington for consultations following Hamas's response to the proposal, President Donald Trump's special envoy said Thursday.

"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 faith," Steve Witkoff wrote on X.

"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," he added.

It is unclear what “alternative options” Witkoff was referencing.

Israel announced earlier Thursday that it was recalling its negotiating team. It came as Witkoff met Israeli minister for strategic affairs Ron Dermer in Rome.

Hamas confirmed Thursday that it had delivered its response -- along with that of other Palestinian factions -- to the mediators. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office confirmed receipt of the response and said it is under review. Neither side disclosed the contents.

Channel 12 in Israel, however, reported that Hamas requested the release of 200 Palestinians serving life sentences for killing Israelis in exchange for 10 living hostages, in addition to 2,000 Palestinians detained by Israeli forces in Gaza since Oct. 7, 2023.

The original proposal, which Israel reportedly accepted, included the release of 125 prisoners serving life terms and 1,200 arrested in Gaza since the war began.

The Israel Hayom newspaper, citing unnamed security officials, said the military is preparing to expand its ground operations in Gaza following Hamas’ response.

Tel Aviv estimates that 50 hostages remain in Gaza, about half of whom remain alive. More than 10,800 Palestinians are held in Israeli prisons, subjected to torture, starvation and medical neglect, which has resulted in many deaths, according to Palestinian and Israeli human rights and media reports.

Since July 6, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas have been taking place in Doha, mediated by Qatar and Egypt with US support, in pursuit of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange deal.

Israel has killed more than 59,500 Palestinians, most of them women and children, in Gaza since October 2023. The military campaign has devastated the enclave, collapsed the health system, and led to severe food shortages.

Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and his former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.

Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war on the enclave.