US President Donald Trump has stated that Hamas does not seek a ceasefire in Gaza, asserting that the militant group’s leaders will be “hunted down.” His comments follow the abrupt end of indirect negotiations led by Steve Witkoff, the US envoy to the Middle East, in Doha, amidst escalating international concern over the humanitarian crisis affecting Gaza.
In a press briefing prior to his departure for the UK, Trump expressed his belief that Hamas leaders are not interested in peace. “It was too bad. Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die,” he remarked. His statements suggest a hardening stance against negotiations aimed at pausing the violence, which has led to significant humanitarian suffering in the region.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu echoed Trump’s sentiments, announcing that Israel and its allies are exploring “alternative options” to secure the release of hostages taken during the October 7 attacks, which resulted in around 1,200 Israeli deaths. Netanyahu’s comments came shortly after the Israeli government withdrew its negotiators from Qatar, where Hamas had submitted a response to a ceasefire proposal. While initial reports indicated that the withdrawal was solely for consultations, Netanyahu’s remarks implied a more rigid position on the matter.
Escalating Humanitarian Crisis
The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with medical authorities reporting nine additional deaths from malnutrition over the past 24 hours. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for 21 months, has seen widespread hunger affecting Gaza’s 2.2 million residents. An Israeli official announced that humanitarian aid air drops, managed by the UAE and Jordan, would resume soon, but concerns remain over the adequacy of these measures.
Sources indicate that a proposed ceasefire would suspend fighting for 60 days, facilitate increased aid to Gaza, and involve the release of some of the 50 remaining hostages in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israel. However, disagreements persist regarding the extent of Israeli troop withdrawals and the future of the ceasefire beyond the initial 60-day period.
Despite the challenges, Netanyahu has emphasized that the Israeli government is still pursuing a deal, asserting that Hamas is the primary obstacle to a resolution. “Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our US allies, we are now considering alternative options,” he stated, reinforcing the notion that military action remains a viable path.
International Reactions and Accusations
Trump also responded to French President Emmanuel Macron‘s recent announcement regarding France’s position on Palestinian statehood, stating, “That statement doesn’t carry weight.” Macron’s declaration has been viewed as a potential shift in international support for Palestinian self-determination, but both Britain and Germany have clarified that there are no immediate plans to act on the issue.
A Hamas official, Bassem Naim, criticized Witkoff’s comments, accusing him of undermining the US’s previous positions and distorting the realities of the negotiations. Naim described the talks as constructive and suggested that Witkoff’s statements were designed to pressure Israel rather than facilitate a genuine negotiation process.
Amidst the ongoing conflict, the United Nations has expressed concern over the critical lack of specialized therapeutic food for children suffering from severe acute malnutrition. The organization has indicated that it is operating under significant restrictions imposed by Israel, which has limited aid flows since March.
As the humanitarian crisis intensifies, Israeli air strikes and military actions continue to claim lives. On the most recent day of conflict, at least 21 individuals were reported killed, including five in an attack on a school sheltering displaced families in Gaza City. According to Palestinian health officials, nearly 60,000 people have died since the escalation began on October 7, 2023.
The unfolding situation reflects a complex interplay of military action, political maneuvering, and humanitarian need, leaving many uncertain about the prospects for peace in the region.
