Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that his government is exploring “alternative options” to the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, following the withdrawal of both Israeli and U.S. delegations from talks in Qatar. AP News is reporting that the talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have stalled amid rising tensions and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. A senior Hamas official, however, said negotiations were expected to resume next week and characterized the delegations’ withdrawal as a strategic move to apply pressure on Hamas. P

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Friday that his government is exploring “alternative options” to the ongoing ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, following the withdrawal of both Israeli and U.S. delegations from talks in Qatar. AP News is reporting that the talks, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have stalled amid rising tensions and worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza. A senior Hamas official, however, said negotiations were expected to resume next week and characterized the delegations’ withdrawal as a strategic move to apply pressure on Hamas. President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, accused Hamas of showing a “lack of desire” to finalize a truce, signaling a shift in the U.S. position. “We are now considering alternative options,” Witkoff said, without offering specifics. Echoing this sentiment, Netanyahu issued a statement blaming Hamas for obstructing progress. “Hamas is the obstacle to a hostage release deal,” he said. “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 the region.” Israeli officials did not confirm whether talks would resume as suggested by Hamas. Despite public rhetoric, both sides admit that some progress has been made. Hamas official Bassem Naim stated that gaps had narrowed on issues including the sequencing of a ceasefire, mechanisms for continued negotiations, and the delivery of humanitarian aid. A joint statement from Qatar and Egypt supported this view: “It is natural to pause talks for consultations before resuming dialogue.” Still, the fundamental sticking points remain unresolved. The framework under discussion includes a proposed 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas would release 10 live hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. Aid flows would increase, and both parties would enter talks for a long-term truce. However, Hamas insists it will only release all hostages if Israel agrees to a complete military withdrawal and a permanent end to the war. Israel, meanwhile, demands Hamas relinquish power and disarm; terms the group rejects, though it has signaled willingness to step down from governance without surrendering its weapons. Hamas is believed to be holding hostages in hidden locations, including tunnels, and has threatened to execute them if Israeli forces come too close. Of the roughly 50 hostages believed to remain in Gaza, fewer than half are thought to be alive. Families of the hostages say the uncertainty is agonizing. “I thought something might change while the Israeli team was in Doha,” said Yehuda Cohen, whose son Nimrod is among the captives. “Now that they’ve returned, I ask myself: When will this nightmare finally end?” AP News contributed to this article.

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