Stalemate in Gaza: Netanyahu and Trump Halt Ceasefire Negotiations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have abandoned ceasefire talks with Hamas, citing the group's unwillingness to negotiate. The ceasefire was proposed to last 60 days, allowing aid into Gaza and freeing hostages. Talks, mediated by Qatar and Egypt, remain deadlocked.

In a significant development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump have decided to abandon ceasefire negotiations with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This decision, announced on Friday, follows the withdrawal of their delegations from talks aimed at resolving tensions in Gaza.

Netanyahu stated that Israel is exploring "alternative" strategies to retrieve hostages held in Gaza and to dismantle Hamas's control over the territory. Trump's comments mirrored this stance, accusing Hamas of being unwilling to engage in meaningful negotiations and predicting that the militant group's leaders would soon be "hunted down." Both leaders echoed sentiments previously expressed by U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff, who blamed Hamas for the stalemate in ceasefire talks mediated by Qatar and Egypt.

The proposed ceasefire involved a 60-day period during which aid would reach Gaza, and some hostages would be released in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel. However, despite potential gains, negotiations remain at an impasse, with both sides trading blame over the failure to reach an agreement.

(With inputs from agencies.)