After the response from Hamas yesterday at the Doha negotiations, both Israel and the United States recalled their negotiators. U.S. envoy to the Mideast Steve Witkoff said Hamas’ most recent response was “selfish” and that the group “does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith.” And then more menacingly: “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
President Donald Trump, never one to be overburdened by consistency or compassion, was overt in his threats: “Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.... I said this was going to happen…. I think what’s going to happen is they’re going to be hunted down. It got to a point where [Israel is] going to have to finish the job…. They’re going to have to fight, and they’re gonna have to clean it up. You’re gonna have to get rid of it.”
Hamas expressed surprise at Witkoff’s move, stating, according to the Times of Israel: “We are surprised by the negative statements made by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the movement’s position at a time when the mediators welcomed and expressed their satisfaction with [our] constructive and positive stance that opens the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.”
