Obstacle to solution: US, Israel accuse Hamas
Shafaq News – Middle East
On Friday, US President Donald Trump accused Hamas of “deliberately obstructing” efforts to secure a ceasefire and release hostages in the Gaza Strip, claiming the group has “no real intention of reaching an agreement.”
“Hamas didn’t want to make a deal. I think they want to die,” Trump told reporters at the White House. “We’re now at the final stage of the hostage situation. They know what comes next once the remaining hostages are recovered, and that’s exactly why they pulled back.”
🚨WATCH: President Trump: on Hams and Gaza: "They pulled out in terms of negotiating. It was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die."pic.twitter.com/lvQTIFvJyN
— Raylan Givens (@JewishWarrior13) July 25, 2025
His remarks followed the announcement by US Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff that the Trump administration had recalled its negotiating team for internal consultations in response to Hamas' latest position.
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. While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good…
— Special Envoy for Peace Missions Steve Witkoff (@SEPeaceMissions) July 24, 2025
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel is working with its US partners to explore alternative strategies for recovering the hostages held by Hamas. He backed Witkoff’s assessment, branding Hamas as “the main obstacle” to any breakthrough in the talks.
Netanyahu also underscored that the broader objective extends beyond hostage recovery, aiming to dismantle Hamas’ control over Gaza and establish lasting regional stability.
Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff got it right. Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal. Together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace for Israel and…
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) July 25, 2025
Earlier, Hamas accused US mediators of reversing their commitments and confirmed it had delivered its response—alongside those of other Palestinian factions—to the proposed ceasefire framework. The group stressed that it remains engaged in negotiations and is pushing for a resolution that brings the war to an end.
