The U.S. State Department has unequivocally stated that Hamas's commitment, not its own, is the primary obstacle to securing a ceasefire in Gaza. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced the recall of the U.S. negotiating team from Doha for consultations, citing Hamas's latest response as demonstrating a "lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza." This development underscores growing frustration with the militant group's stance in ongoing peace efforts.
According to a press briefing on July 24, 2025, Witkoff explicitly stated, > "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." He further added that while mediators have made significant efforts, Hamas "does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith." This position was reinforced by Spokesperson Tammy Bruce, who consistently highlighted that the U.S. commitment to a ceasefire has never been in question.
The current diplomatic impasse follows a U.S.-brokered "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire, which included provisions for hostage releases and negotiations for a permanent end to the conflict. While Hamas initially responded in a "positive spirit" to this proposal, subsequent demands from the group were deemed unacceptable by mediators. This led to mounting frustration among Egyptian and Qatari facilitators.
The U.S. State Department has repeatedly pointed to Hamas's past actions, including breaking a ceasefire on October 7th and another previously attained truce, as evidence of their unwillingness to commit to peace. The ongoing conflict has seen significant casualties, with local health officials reporting at least 138 Palestinian deaths in Gaza within a 24-hour period earlier in July. The U.S. remains resolute in seeking an end to the war, despite Hamas's perceived intransigence.
President Donald Trump has been actively involved in these efforts, previously announcing that Israel had accepted the necessary conditions for a 60-day ceasefire. However, the latest response from Hamas has stalled progress, leading to the U.S. team's withdrawal from the talks. The situation remains dynamic, with the U.S. now considering "alternative options" to secure the release of hostages and stabilize the region.