Steve Witkoff, now named President Trump’s special envoy for peace missions, said the administration is considering alternative plans to secure the freedom of Israeli hostages held by Hamas and the future governance of the territory.
“We have decided to bring our team home from Doha for consultations after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza,” Witkoff wrote in a post on X.
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza. It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza.”
The Israeli government will review military plans in the event of Hamas’s refusal to accept a deal, Israel’s ambassador to the U.N. told reporters in Washington in early July.
Israeli officials have also backed Trump’s call for Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip. Trump in February called for the U.S. to take over Gaza and for Palestinians to be relocated, likely permanently. While Trump has called for rebuilding the strip, he has also shared an artificial intelligence-generated video showing Gaza as a resort destination and the president sipping cocktails and lying on the beach with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
“President Trump has come up with an innovative plan for the future of Gaza,” said David Mencer, spokesperson in the office of the Israeli Prime Minister, in a briefing with reporters on Wednesday.
“People that want to leave voluntarily, we make this clear, voluntarily, should be allowed to leave. There are countries which have already expressed their interest to take in Gazans so they can get away from the fighting.”
The U.S. announcement likely serves as a major blow to already horrific humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip, where death due to starvation is increasing amid chaotic and dangerous efforts to distribute food and aid. The failure of the talks also throws into question the fate of 20 living hostages and the bodies of 30 others still held by Hamas.
Read the full report at TheHill.com.
