Hamas Responds to Witkoff, Claims Commitment to Ceasefire Talks

Hamas issued a statement early Friday claiming it was “surprised” by comments from U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff, who accused the terror group of lacking genuine interest in reaching a ceasefire in Gaza.

“The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and engage in them in a manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement,” Hamas said.

The response comes after both Israel and the United States withdrew their delegations from ceasefire negotiations on Thursday for consultations. Witkoff criticized Hamas, saying the group has not been “coordinated or acting in good faith” during the talks.

“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” Witkoff wrote on X/Twitter.

The negotiations are focused on achieving a lasting ceasefire, securing the release of Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, and addressing humanitarian conditions for Palestinians. However, the latest setback underscores the difficulties mediators face when dealing with Hamas, which continues to use hostage-taking as leverage.

Despite Hamas’s claims of commitment, Israeli and U.S. officials remain skeptical of the group’s intentions, pointing to its history of violating agreements and its refusal to recognize Israel’s right to exist.

Israel continues to emphasize that any ceasefire must include the unconditional release of all hostages and guarantees that Hamas will no longer be able to rebuild its terrorist infrastructure.

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