US Criticizes Hamas as Gaza Ceasefire Talks Stall
GAZA – Talks to end the war in Gaza hit a new roadblock on Thursday after a top U.S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, said Hamas was not negotiating seriously. Hours earlier, Israel also pulled back its team from talks in Qatar.
Hamas, the group fighting Israel, said it was surprised by the U.S. comments. The group said it still wants to reach a deal that would lead to a permanent ceasefire.
Earlier that day, Hamas gave a new response to a ceasefire plan made by Qatar, Egypt, and the U.S. Israel said it received the response and is reviewing it, but neither side has shared the details.
People in Gaza are suffering badly. Food and medical aid are limited because of Israel’s blockade. The United Nations says more than 115 people have died from hunger since the war began in October 2023. Aid groups warn that famine is getting worse.
The proposed deal includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 10 living hostages and the bodies of 18 others. In return, Israel would release some Palestinian prisoners and allow more aid into Gaza. But talks have stalled over what would happen after the ceasefire.
Israel says it still wants to defeat Hamas completely and may keep its army in Gaza long-term, a plan many critics say is impossible and against international law. Israeli leaders are also facing pressure at home about how to free the remaining hostages.
Aid Chaos: Pepper Spray at Distribution Site
On Thursday, women collecting food aid said U.S. aid workers sprayed pepper spray and tear gas at them.
“They told us to go, then told us to stop, and then sprayed us,” said Mervat al-Sakani, a local woman.
The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), backed by the U.S. and Israel, said they used a small amount of spray to stop overcrowding and prevent injuries. They called the aid operation “a success.”
But the United Nations has criticized GHF, saying the group’s methods are unsafe and not neutral. The U.N. says 875 people have been killed in recent weeks near aid sites, many of them near GHF centers. Most deaths were blamed on Israeli gunfire.
Israel says it wants to allow aid into Gaza but must control it so Hamas doesn’t misuse it. The U.N. says it is doing its best but is limited by Israel’s rules.
The war started on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed about 1,200 people in Israel and took 251 hostages. Since then, Israeli attacks have killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials.
Mutib Khalid is a skilled content writer and digital marketer with a knack for crafting compelling narratives and optimizing digital strategies. Excel in creating engaging content that drives results and enhances online presence. Passionate about blending creativity with data-driven approaches, Mutib Khalid helps brands connect with their audience and achieve their goals.
