U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff has announced that the United States is joining Israel in stepping back from peace negotiations in Gaza, held in Doha, Qatar. He raised concerns over Hamas’s sincerity in the discussions, describing their actions as lacking genuine intent.
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“Following the recent response from Hamas, which demonstrates a clear disinterest in achieving a ceasefire, we’ve decided to bring our team back for consultations,” Mr. Witkoff stated via social media. “While the mediators have made commendable efforts, it is evident that Hamas is neither coordinated nor acting in good faith.”
Mr. Witkoff emphasized that the U.S. is now exploring alternative strategies to secure the release of hostages and to foster a more stable environment for the residents of Gaza.
The office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirmed that Israel has also recalled its delegation from the talks, expressing gratitude to the mediators for their efforts and stating that they would return for “further consultations.”
Hamas has indicated that it responded to an Israeli proposition for a 60-day ceasefire, which Israel is currently reviewing. Reports suggest that Hamas’s response included suggested adjustments regarding the entry of aid, details on areas for Israeli military withdrawal, and assurances aimed at achieving a lasting end to hostilities, according to a source familiar with the negotiations in Doha.
Nevertheless, an Israeli official commented this evening that Hamas’s replies fall short of what is needed to advance the talks, although Israel intends to persist with discussions.
The U.S. confirmed that Mr. Witkoff will travel to Europe this week to engage in discussions regarding a potential ceasefire and an aid corridor.
Adding to the urgency of the situation, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) reported that life for civilians in Gaza is “completely unbearable.”
Today, alarming reports emerged regarding skyrocketing malnutrition rates among Gaza’s population of over two million, coupled with further fatalities due to famine. Louise Wateridge, a Senior Emergency Officer at UNRWA, described the circumstances at aid centers as “horror upon horror,” where individuals are even reported to have walked past deceased individuals in search of food, often returning empty-handed.
“We have 6,000 trucks waiting to enter Gaza, half of which are critical food and medical supplies,” she highlighted. “It’s only an hour away from the border; it could arrive this afternoon.”
Tragically, local health authorities in Gaza reported that dozens have starved to death in recent weeks as the region grapples with a severe hunger crisis. The World Health Organization noted that 21 children under five years old have succumbed to malnutrition this year alone.
In a somber update, the Gaza health ministry announced two more deaths due to malnutrition, with the head of Shifa Hospital confirming that the patients had suffered from other illnesses exacerbated by lack of nutrition over several days.
On RTÉ’s News at One, Ms. Wateridge recounted the harrowing experiences shared by her colleagues. “Most of our healthcare workers are parents with starving children themselves. They leave their own in shelters to come to work, desperately trying to save the lives of others,” she shared. “The most brutal reality is that there is nothing they can do without the necessary supplies—nutrients, medicines, food, and water—none of which are available.”
Currently, one in ten children screened by UNRWA is classified as “severely malnourished.” This figure has surged by over 150% since the ceasefire ended in March this year. “Following 11 weeks of total siege, what aid does trickle in is often met with danger; those reaching out for food are being killed,” Ms. Wateridge remarked.
On a grim note, over 100 aid organizations issued a stark warning yesterday regarding the spread of “mass starvation” in Gaza. Israeli forces have struck central Gaza towns, resulting in fatalities and injuries from military actions.
The ongoing conflict has left a devastating mark; the war between Israel and Hamas has escalated since the devastating October 7, 2023, attack, which resulted in approximately 1,200 Israeli casualties and 251 hostages taken. In retaliation, Israel has claimed nearly 60,000 Palestinian lives and led to widespread destruction and displacement in Gaza.
As discussions continue, there is a pressing need for a resolution that addresses both the humanitarian crisis and the complexities of the conflict.
