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**Summary:**

US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has halted ceasefire talks in Qatar, accusing Hamas of “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire” after reviewing their latest proposal. Israel has also withdrawn its negotiating team. Hamas expressed surprise and affirmed its commitment to continued negotiations. The breakdown occurs amid growing international pressure for a truce due to the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, where starvation is claiming lives due to restricted aid. Witkoff hinted at exploring “alternative options,” raising concerns about the future of the conflict and the potential for further escalation.

**News Article:**

**US Envoy Blames Hamas, Halts Gaza Ceasefire Talks as Humanitarian Crisis Deepens**

**Doha, Qatar** – US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has abruptly ended ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, placing blame squarely on Hamas for demonstrating “a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire” in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The announcement comes as the humanitarian crisis in the besieged territory intensifies, with reports of widespread starvation and escalating death tolls.

“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” Witkoff said in a statement released Thursday. He added that the US would now consider “alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” without providing specific details.

Hours before Witkoff’s announcement, the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed it had also recalled its negotiating team from Qatar. Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s remarks, reiterating its commitment to engaging in negotiations to achieve a permanent ceasefire agreement.

The breakdown in talks follows Hamas’s latest response to a ceasefire framework proposed by mediators from Qatar, Egypt, and the US. The specific details of the proposal and the reasons for its rejection remain unclear, but previous sticking points have included disagreements over long-term security arrangements and what will happen at the end of the proposed ceasefire. Israel has repeatedly stated its intention to maintain a long-term military presence in Gaza to eliminate Hamas, a position that critics argue is unrealistic and undermines ceasefire efforts.

The suspension of talks coincides with mounting international pressure for a truce to alleviate the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, where over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th. Aid organizations are warning of “mass starvation” due to severe restrictions imposed by Israel on the entry of humanitarian assistance. More than 100 aid groups have blamed Israel for restrictions on aid for “mass starvation” in the enclave.

Al Jazeera’s Shihab Rattansi, reporting from Washington, D.C., questioned whether the US withdrawal was a negotiating tactic. “It’s a very sternly worded [statement], talking about ‘alternative options for a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,’” he said.

The future of the conflict and the prospect of a negotiated settlement remain uncertain as both sides dig in. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen, raising fears of further suffering and loss of life.

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