According to CNN news a senior Hamas official says the group is shocked that the US stopped ceasefire talks. They’re also surprised by US officials blaming Hamas for the breakdown.
Izzat al-Risheq of Hamas’s political bureau stated that comments from US President Trump and his envoy, Steve Witkoff, don’t match the progress made in negotiations.
The US pulled out of talks this week, claiming Hamas wasn’t “coordinated” or “acting in good faith.” Witkoff is now looking for “alternative options” to free the remaining 50 hostages in Gaza, where Israel believes only 20 are still alive.
Al-Risheq insisted that mediators (Egypt and Qatar) were “satisfied” with Hamas’s approach. He added that Hamas responded “positively and flexibly,” stressing the need for clear guarantees, especially for a steady flow of aid.
Hamas also wanted to reduce the “buffer zones” during the proposed 60-day ceasefire, which would include hostage and prisoner releases, plus aid.
Al-Risheq urged the US to pressure Israel to reach an agreement that ends the fighting and allows for a prisoner exchange.
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