Israel Considers Alternatives as Ceasefire Talks With Hamas Stall

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday that his government is considering alternative options to ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, following the withdrawal of Israeli and U.S. negotiating teams from talks in Qatar. The move has cast uncertainty over the future of the negotiations, which have yet to yield a breakthrough.

A Hamas official indicated that talks are expected to resume next week, describing the recall of delegations as a pressure tactic. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff stated that Hamas' latest response showed a "lack of desire" to reach a truce, and said the U.S. would also consider alternative options, though he did not provide details.

Netanyahu, in a statement from his office, said, "Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal," and added that Israel, together with U.S. allies, is exploring other ways to secure the release of hostages and achieve lasting peace. Israeli officials did not confirm whether negotiations would resume soon.

The talks, held in Qatar over several weeks, have made limited progress. Key issues include the redeployment of Israeli troops and the terms for ending the conflict. The proposed deal involves a 60-day ceasefire, phased release of hostages by Hamas, increased aid to Gaza, and further negotiations toward a permanent ceasefire. However, disagreements persist, with Hamas demanding a full Israeli withdrawal and Israel insisting on Hamas relinquishing power and disarming.

Humanitarian conditions in Gaza have worsened, with over two million people facing severe hunger and rising deaths from malnutrition. Dozens of countries and more than 100 humanitarian organizations have called for an end to the conflict, criticizing Israel's blockade and aid delivery methods. French President Emmanuel Macron announced France's recognition of Palestine as a state, urging an immediate end to the war to protect civilians.

Hamas official Bassem Naim said that some gaps in the negotiations had been nearly resolved, including the ceasefire agenda, guarantees for ongoing talks, and aid delivery mechanisms. Despite these developments, Israeli airstrikes continued in Gaza, with at least 22 people killed since Thursday night, according to hospital records.

Families of hostages expressed frustration with the lack of progress. Yehuda Cohen, whose son is held in Gaza, said, "I thought that maybe something will come from the time that the negotiation, Israeli team were in Doha. And when I heard that they're coming back, I ask myself: When will this nightmare end?"