Hamas has pushed back strongly against criticism coming from top U.S. officials following the collapse of recent ceasefire negotiations with Israel.
According to Izzat Al-Rishq, a senior official within Hamas’ Political Bureau, the movement disagrees completely with the remarks made by President Donald Trump and special envoy Steve Witkoff.
In a press release, he described their statements as misleading and not aligned with how Qatar and Egypt, the primary mediators, viewed the talks. He pointed out that both mediators had acknowledged Hamas’ attitude as cooperative and serious throughout the process.
In the same statement, Al-Rishq shifted the blame squarely on the Israeli leadership, accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu‘s administration of constantly delaying progress and refusing to honor commitments.
He went further by urging the U.S. to step up its pressure on Israel to end military operations and commit to a prisoner exchange. That demand likely referred to Israeli captives in Gaza as well as Palestinians detained by Israeli authorities.
Stalled Mediation Efforts Frustrate U.S. Officials
The Trump administration has been trying to find a way to end the conflict between Israel and Hamas for several months now, but the path to a deal has remained unclear. This week’s events, in which the U.S. decided to withdraw its delegation from Doha, signaled a disappointment in the peace process.
U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Hamas’ reaction to recent negotiation proposals was disappointing and showed a lack of seriousness. In his official message released Thursday, he stated that although mediators worked hard, Hamas did not appear united or honest in their dealings. He also explained that the U.S. would now begin looking into other ways to rescue hostages and help the residents of Gaza gain some stability.
Witkoff called out Hamas for acting selfishly, describing their behavior as disheartening. He then reaffirmed America’s aim to work toward long-term calm in the area.
Israeli Withdrawal and Trump’s Reaction
On the same day that American delegates left Qatar, Israeli officials also confirmed that their negotiating team would be stepping away from the talks. Netanyahu’s office linked their decision to Hamas’ latest message, which they said failed to show any real intention to reach an agreement.
While speaking to journalists outside the White House on Friday, President Trump expressed his deep disappointment with Hamas’ stance. He shared his belief that the group had no interest in ending the war and was avoiding any meaningful deal, possibly out of fear of what might follow once the hostages were released.
According to Trump, Hamas seemed prepared for destruction instead of resolution. He ended his comment by suggesting that the situation had reached a point where it could no longer be left unresolved.
Mediator Nations Remain Committed
Despite the exit of both Israel and the U.S. from the most recent talks, Qatar and Egypt have stated they are not stepping back. In a joint announcement released Friday, both countries confirmed they were still focused on helping achieve a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.
Their joint message explained that the two countries, with continued support from the United States, would carry on with efforts to create a complete deal that would bring the fighting to a halt.
While the failed talks may seem like a step backwards, Egyptian state media has reported that new negotiations are expected to begin next week. The renewed talks could offer another chance for both sides to find common ground and bring relief to those affected by the violence.
