Efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza suffered a major setback this week as both Israel and the United States withdrew their negotiating teams from talks in Doha, Qatar. Citing a lack of progress and accusing Hamas of insincerity, the departure of the delegations has raised concerns about the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza and increasing diplomatic tensions.
U.S. Special Envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff announced on Thursday that the U.S. team was returning home to reassess its approach. He accused Hamas of failing to act in good faith during the latest round of negotiations, labeling the group’s response to a 60-day ceasefire proposal as “selfish.” Witkoff stated that the U.S. would consider “alternative options” to achieve a truce and secure the release of Israeli hostages.
Despite the setback, Israel’s state-owned Kan TV News reported that the talks had not collapsed entirely. “This is a coordinated move between all parties,” the outlet cited a source close to the negotiations. “There are fateful decisions that need to be made, and that is why the delegation returned for further consultations. The momentum is still positive.”
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks, insisting that their position had been welcomed by mediators and had opened the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement. “The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and engage in them in a manner that helps overcome obstacles,” Hamas said in a statement.
The main sticking point appears to be the number of detainees to be released. According to Kan TV News, Hamas is demanding the release of 200 militants and 2,000 civilians detained after the conflict erupted on October 7, 2023. Israel had reportedly agreed to release about 120 militants and 1,200 civilians under the mediators’ proposal.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation in Gaza is deteriorating rapidly. As of Thursday, the Israeli military campaign has resulted in more than 59,210 Palestinian deaths and over 143,040 injuries, according to Gaza-based health authorities. The health authorities also reported four more deaths from starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, raising the toll to 115 since March.
“Gaza is in dire need of at least 500,000 bags of flour per week to avoid a complete humanitarian collapse,” the Hamas-run government media office stated. Several UN agencies have also warned of a severe hunger crisis in the region.
Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas issued a stark warning, declaring that the Palestinian people are facing “the biggest humanitarian catastrophe” of their time. Speaking on Palestine TV, Abbas condemned Israel’s targeting of aid centers and restrictions on basic supplies, labeling such actions as war crimes for which Israel bears full responsibility.
Abbas called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unimpeded entry of humanitarian aid, the release of withheld Palestinian tax revenues, and the restoration of full Palestinian Authority governance over Gaza. He also criticized a recent Israeli Knesset motion to assert sovereignty over the occupied West Bank, calling it a serious provocation and a blow to Palestinian rights and statehood aspirations.
International Response
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer described the suffering and starvation in Gaza as an “unspeakable and indefensible” humanitarian catastrophe. He urged Israel to urgently allow aid into the region. “While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe,” Starmer said in a statement.
In a significant diplomatic development, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France intends to formally recognize a Palestinian state at the United Nations General Assembly in September. In a letter to President Abbas made public on Thursday, Macron stated that the decision reflects France’s “historic commitment to a just and lasting peace in the Middle East.”
“True to its historic commitment to peace, I have decided that France will recognize the State of Palestine,” Macron wrote. The move would make France the first major Western power to take this step, potentially shifting momentum toward broader international recognition.
The announcement was met with sharp criticism from Israeli officials. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that such recognition would “reward terror” and create conditions for further instability. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz called the move “a disgrace and a surrender to terrorism,” emphasizing that Israel would not accept the establishment of any Palestinian entity that undermines its security.
The United States also expressed opposition to unilateral recognition of a Palestinian state, stating that such a move could conflict with U.S. foreign policy interests.
