Israel recalls negotiators from Doha after Hamas increases demands for prisoner exchanges, creating a setback in ceasefire talks aimed at releasing hostages and delivering aid to Gaza

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his government was considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas after Israel and the U.S. recalled their negotiating teams, throwing the future of the negotiations into further uncertainty.

President Donald Trump indicated on Friday that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas would be unlikely, and suggested that Hamas was losing its ability to negotiate.

Both Israel and Hamas are facing pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating.

Ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel are expected to resume next week as the war in Gaza nears it’s 22nd month and experts warn Palestinians are on the brink of famine.

Israel said it received Hamas' latest ceasefire proposal, with an Israeli official calling it “workable,” although no details were provided. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak on record. Hamas confirmed in a statement early Thursday that it sent the proposal to mediators.

Terror group submits softened response after being told to come back with more reasonable reply; Witkoff slated to meet Dermer, Qatari PM in Italy on Thursday to advance talks The post Hamas says it submitted reply to Gaza truce proposal amid mediators’ fury at group appeared first on The Times of Israel.