Jerusalem: In a dramatic turn of events, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former U.S. President Donald Trump have jointly indicated that ceasefire negotiations with Hamas over the Gaza conflict are no longer viable. The announcement, made through official statements and media interactions on Friday, marks a significant collapse of months-long efforts mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States to end the violence and humanitarian crisis engulfing Gaza.
Prime Minister Netanyahu stated that the Israeli government is now exploring “alternative means” to retrieve the remaining hostages held by Hamas and to dismantle the group’s military and administrative infrastructure in the Gaza Strip. “We are no longer willing to be played,” Netanyahu said, adding that Hamas had made “unrealistic demands” that could not be accepted by any sovereign state concerned about its national security.
Former U.S. President Donald Trump, who has been campaigning on a promise to restore global peace through forceful diplomacy, echoed Netanyahu’s stance. Speaking at a press briefing, Trump said, “Hamas doesn’t want peace. They want death. They walked away from every opportunity for peace, and now they’ll face the consequences.” Trump’s remarks were widely interpreted as a green light for military escalation, rather than a recommitment to talks.
The ceasefire framework under negotiation involved a phased truce that would initially last 60 days. It included a mutual exchange of hostages and prisoners, a limited Israeli military withdrawal from certain areas, and the introduction of expanded humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, sources familiar with the negotiations revealed that talks broke down when Hamas insisted on stronger international guarantees particularly from the United Nations regarding future Palestinian autonomy and unrestricted aid access. Israel rejected these conditions outright, leading to a total diplomatic collapse.
The humanitarian fallout from the stalled negotiations is already visible. Gaza remains on the brink of famine, with over 59,000 deaths reported since the onset of the conflict. Aid convoys have struggled to access the territory due to continued Israeli restrictions and infrastructural collapse within the Strip. International observers warn that the population is facing starvation and disease on a mass scale unless immediate relief measures are implemented.
In response to the stalemate, key international players have begun to shift their positions. French President Emmanuel Macron announced his intent to recognize the State of Palestine formally in September, urging a global consensus on a two-state solution. Israel condemned the move as premature and one-sided. Germany and the United Kingdom refrained from full recognition but reiterated their call for a renewed diplomatic push to resolve the crisis.
Meanwhile, both Israeli and American diplomatic envoys have formally exited the Qatar-hosted negotiations in Doha. U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed Washington’s withdrawal, stating, “We have exhausted the space for meaningful diplomacy. The focus now turns to strategic options for securing American hostages and stabilizing the region.” Egypt and Qatar, the primary mediators, have expressed disappointment but said they would continue efforts to keep channels open with Hamas and regional stakeholders.
Trump’s hardline rhetoric and Netanyahu’s renewed war footing signal a likely return to more aggressive military operations in Gaza. Analysts believe that Israel may now pursue a strategy focused on targeted assassinations of Hamas leaders and expanding control over key border zones. However, such actions could inflame the broader Middle East, with Iran-backed militias and other actors threatening retaliation.
The breakdown of talks underscores the fragility of peace in the region and raises pressing questions about the international community’s ability to mediate prolonged asymmetric conflicts. As Gaza descends further into crisis, the failure of the ceasefire deal marks a grim chapter in the ongoing saga of violence, blockade, and political deadlock.