Hamas Hits Back at Trump, Urges U.S. to Pressure Israel on Ceasefire/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Hamas rejected harsh criticism from President Donald Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff following a breakdown in ceasefire negotiations. Blaming Israel for stalling progress, Hamas called on the U.S. to increase pressure on Netanyahu’s government. As both Israel and the U.S. pull out of Qatar talks, mediators Egypt and Qatar vow to continue pushing for peace.
Hamas Pushes Back on U.S. Criticism: Ceasefire Talks Quick Looks
- Hamas dismissed recent statements by U.S. President Trump and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff as inaccurate and politically motivated
- Izzat Al-Rishq, a senior Hamas official, claimed Israel is obstructing progress and evading previous commitments
- The U.S. and Israel withdrew from ceasefire talks in Qatar on the same day, citing Hamas’ “bad faith” behavior
- Al-Rishq called on Washington to pressure Israel to stop “aggression” and agree to a prisoner exchange
- Trump told reporters Hamas was acting “selfishly” and didn’t want peace, claiming “they want to die”
- U.S. envoy Witkoff said Hamas’ conduct forced America to explore “alternative options” for hostage recovery
- Palestinian officials maintain that Egypt and Qatar acknowledge Hamas’ efforts as “constructive”
- Netanyahu’s office echoed the U.S. decision, recalling Israel’s negotiators after Hamas’ latest proposal
- Despite the setback, talks are expected to resume next week, per Egyptian media
- Qatar and Egypt reaffirmed commitment to brokering a ceasefire with ongoing U.S. partnership
Deep Look
Ceasefire Setback: Hamas Rejects Trump Criticism, Demands U.S. Action Against Israel
GAZA / WASHINGTON — July 26, 2025
The fragile prospects for a Gaza ceasefire took another hit this week as Hamas forcefully rejected accusations by President Donald Trump and U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff that the group was acting in bad faith during negotiations.
In a strongly worded statement, Izzat Al-Rishq, a senior official within Hamas’ political bureau, accused the U.S. administration of misrepresenting the status of talks and ignoring Hamas’ willingness to negotiate in good faith. Al-Rishq claimed that Qatar and Egypt, the primary mediators, had acknowledged Hamas’ constructive approach — contrary to U.S. assertions.
“We are appalled by the statements of U.S. President Trump and earlier by U.S. special envoy Witkoff… inconsistent with the actual progress of negotiations,” Al-Rishq said.
Blame Game Over Talks
Both the United States and Israel abruptly withdrew their delegations from Qatar earlier this week, with Witkoff accusing Hamas of failing to coordinate internally and resisting a resolution.
“Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith,” said Witkoff.
“We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home.”
President Trump was even more blunt during an exchange with reporters outside the White House.
“Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die,” Trump said.
“You’re going to have to finish the job.”
Trump speculated that Hamas was avoiding a deal because of fear over what might happen after the remaining Israeli hostages are released, potentially opening the door to intensified military actions.
Hamas Doubles Down on Criticism of Israel
Al-Rishq turned the spotlight on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, claiming it was Israel — not Hamas — that was derailing negotiations. He accused the Netanyahu government of “deceiving mediators” and consistently failing to honor its commitments during the drawn-out talks.
He also demanded that the U.S. stop shielding Israel diplomatically and instead focus on ending what he called Israeli aggression.
“It is the Israeli occupation that continues to obstruct all agreements,” said Al-Rishq, urging Washington to take a firmer stance.
Mediators Continue Efforts Despite Setbacks
Though the U.S. and Israeli teams have exited the talks, Qatar and Egypt released a joint statement reaffirming their commitment to ongoing peace efforts.
“The two countries, in partnership with the United States, reaffirm their commitment to reaching a comprehensive ceasefire,” the statement said.
Reports from Egyptian state-affiliated outlet Al Qahera News TV indicate that talks are expected to resume as early as next week — despite the public collapse of the current round.
Regional Context and Next Steps
The breakdown comes amid heightened regional tensions, as the war between Israel and Hamas enters its 21st month. Conditions in Gaza remain dire, with civilian casualties, infrastructure damage, and hostage situations fueling international concern.
The fate of the remaining hostages and the prisoner exchange deal, reportedly under discussion for months, remains unresolved. Meanwhile, Hamas has insisted that any agreement must include a timeline for ending Israeli military operations.
Both sides have hardened their positions in recent weeks, with Israel calling Hamas’ latest counteroffers “delusional,” while Hamas insists it’s acting in accordance with previous frameworks.
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