US and Israel recall negotiating teams from Gaza

Negotiations aimed at securing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of Israeli hostages have hit another snag, with both the United States and Israel recalling their negotiating teams from talks in Qatar on Thursday, July 24, 2025.

Reasons for the Recall:

US Blames Hamas: US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas’s latest response “clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza.” He accused Hamas of not “acting in good faith” and indicated that Washington would now “consider alternative options” to bring the hostages home and create a more stable environment for Gazans.

Israel’s Stance: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office also recalled its team for “consultations” after reviewing Hamas’s response. While Netanyahu stated Israel still seeks a ceasefire and the release of hostages, he warned that Hamas would be “gravely mistaken” if it interpreted Israel’s willingness to negotiate as a weakness to dictate surrender terms.

Disagreements over Terms: The talks have been bogged down by significant disagreements. Hamas insists on a permanent ceasefire, a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza, and unrestricted aid access, while Israel maintains it will not end the conflict until Hamas is dismantled and disarmed. Reports suggest Hamas’s latest proposal included demands for the release of a higher number of prisoners, including those serving life sentences, compared to what Israel had reportedly agreed to in an earlier proposal.

What was on the table?

The proposed deal reportedly included an initial 60-day ceasefire during which Hamas would release a certain number of living hostages and remains, in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Aid supplies would also be significantly ramped up, and both sides would then negotiate a lasting ceasefire.

International Reaction and Humanitarian Concerns:

The recall of negotiating teams has heightened international concern over the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Humanitarian Catastrophe: Over two million Palestinians face severe shortages, with warnings of widespread malnutrition. The World Health Organization has called the food crisis “man-made,” and France has attributed it to Israel’s “blockade,” a charge Israel rejects, instead blaming Hamas for diverting aid.

Calls for Ceasefire: Numerous countries, including the UK, Japan, and other European nations, issued a joint statement earlier this week, emphasizing that the war in Gaza “must end now” and condemning the obstruction of aid.

Recognition of Palestinian State: In a separate development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would soon recognize a Palestinian state, a move welcomed by some Palestinians but strongly rejected by the US