U.S. President Donald Trump has accused Hamas of showing no interest in reaching a ceasefire agreement in Gaza, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu discussed “alternative options” to retrieve the hostages held in the besieged territory amidst ongoing conflict that has persisted for 21 months.
Following the breakdown of negotiations in Doha, Netanyahu announced that he is “exploring alternative options to regain” the hostages and “eliminate Hamas.” In response, Hamas has accused U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff of “disregarding the context of the recent round of negotiations,” claiming this is being done to support the Israeli stance.
Amidst these mutual accusations, an Israeli official stated on Friday that humanitarian aid deliveries via air would soon resume in Gaza, which is currently facing a severe humanitarian crisis.
Trump remarked to reporters at the White House before departing for Scotland, “Hamas doesn’t genuinely want to strike a deal. I believe they are seeking death, and that is extremely dangerous.”
He further added, “We have now reached the last of the hostages, and they [Hamas] know what will happen after the last hostage is retrieved. This is exactly why they were unwilling to reach any agreement.”
Witkoff announced on Thursday that Washington has withdrawn its negotiators from the two-week talks in Doha, which were facilitated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt, accusing Hamas of not acting “in good faith.”
Netanyahu supported Witkoff’s claims, stating, “He is right. Hamas is the obstacle to an agreement for the release of the hostages.”