Trump Questions Hamas’ Intentions in Gaza Ceasefire Talks

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US President Donald Trump has cast doubt on Hamas’ willingness to secure a ceasefire in Gaza, as Israel hints at exploring “alternative options” to free hostages following the collapse of recent talks. Speaking to AFP, Trump remarked, “It’s a shame. Hamas didn’t want to make a deal. I think they want to die.” His blunt assessment came after US and Israeli negotiators abandoned indirect discussions with Hamas in Qatar, citing a lack of progress.

Trump’s comments followed reports that Hamas, the Palestinian militant group, was unwilling to release the remaining hostages in Gaza. “They know what happens after you get the final hostages,” the President stated, suggesting a hardline stance. His special envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, echoed this sentiment, accusing Hamas of failing to negotiate in good faith during the talks that ended on Thursday.

In response, senior Hamas official Bassem Naim hit back, accusing Witkoff of distorting the nature of the discussions and backtracking on prior agreements. The breakdown in negotiations has intensified concerns about the worsening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where aid groups report alarming levels of malnutrition, particularly among children.

An Israeli official, speaking to AFP, revealed that recent airdrops of aid have inadvertently caused injuries in Gaza, underscoring the challenges of delivering assistance in a warzone. Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) reported that 25% of young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women screened at its clinics last week were malnourished. This aligns with a United Nations report stating that one in five children in Gaza City is now malnourished, a stark indicator of the deepening crisis. Over 100 aid and human rights organisations have warned of the looming threat of “mass starvation” in the region.

Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has called for a return to a full aid blockade, the reoccupation of Gaza, and measures to “encourage” residents to leave, alongside restoring Israeli settlements. Such proposals have sparked alarm among mediators Qatar and Egypt, who remain cautiously optimistic about reviving negotiations. Both nations vowed to continue “intensive efforts” to broker a breakthrough.

Meanwhile, the leaders of Britain, France, and Germany issued a joint statement on Friday, describing the situation in Gaza as a “humanitarian catastrophe” that “must end now.” They urged Israel to lift restrictions on aid and support the urgent work of UN agencies and humanitarian groups. However, given the Labour government’s track record in the UK, their calls for action ring hollow to some, with critics arguing that stronger measures are needed to address the crisis effectively.