Summary
Netanyahu and Trump have abandoned Gaza ceasefire talks with Hamas.
U.S. envoy says Hamas showed no willingness for a truce.
Israel also pulled back its negotiation team, blaming Hamas.
Both countries seek alternative ways to secure hostage releases and address Gaza.
Netanyahu claimed that in order to fulfill its objectives of repatriating its hostages from Gaza and putting an end to Hamas's control over the region, Israel was now exploring "alternative" options. Trump stated that he thought Hamas' leaders would now be "hunted down" and that the organization did not want to reach an agreement.
The comments came as U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff indicated tonight that Hamas was to blame for a deadlock at the truce talks, which were mediated by Egypt and Qatar. Netanyahu claimed that Hamas was the roadblock to a deal and that Witkoff had it right.
After Hamas responded on Thursday to a ceasefire plan supported by the United States, Israel announced hours later that it was taking its negotiators out for talks.
Witkoff's description of the negotiations was contested by Hamas, which claimed that the negotiators were making headway. According to the report, Witkoff's comments were intended to exert pressure on Israel in advance of the upcoming round of talks.
The proposed 60-day truce would have allowed for the entry of more aid into Gaza and the release of some of the 50 hostages being held by terrorists in the region in exchange for Israeli-held Palestinian inmates.
What are the main reasons Netanyahu and Trump abandoned Gaza ceasefire talks?
Both leaders believe that Hamas was not acting in good faith during the negotiations and was the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement. Trump said Hamas did not want to make a deal and suggested the group's leaders would now be "hunted down." Netanyahu agreed, saying Hamas was the obstacle to a deal.
The ceasefire proposal, which included a 60-day truce allowing additional humanitarian aid into Gaza and the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners, was effectively rejected or undermined by Hamas's response and refusal to meet key conditions such as disarmament of Hamas and Israeli troop redeployment.