Following the return of the Israeli delegation from ceasefire negotiations in Doha, an Israeli official said the talks had stalled due to Hamas’ continued refusal to respond to a U.S.-backed proposal that Israel has already accepted.
“Hamas has not responded to the American proposal and maintains its refusal,” the official said. “If there is a change and Hamas accepts the proposal, the delegation will immediately depart wherever needed.”
According to the official, Hamas is demanding American guarantees for a ceasefire, including that U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff be a formal signatory to any agreement. The group is also insisting the ceasefire be enshrined in a United Nations Security Council resolution, a condition Israel rejects.