Washington, July 25 (V7N) – The United States has formally withdrawn from the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, citing a lack of seriousness from Hamas. The announcement was made by Stephen Witkoff, U.S. President Joe Biden’s special representative for the Middle East, in a statement issued on Thursday.

The development was reported by the BBC in a news report published on Friday (July 25).

Witkoff stated that Hamas has shown no genuine interest in reaching a ceasefire, accusing the group of deliberately stalling the process. He further warned that alternative measures may be taken to secure the release of Israeli hostages, indicating a potential shift in the U.S. approach.

This announcement comes shortly after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ordered his country's negotiating team to withdraw from Qatar, where talks were being held. The move has further deepened uncertainty over the prospects for peace in Gaza and the broader Middle East.

On the other hand, Hamas has blamed Israel for the breakdown of negotiations, accusing Netanyahu of sabotaging any efforts for a lasting peace. The armed Palestinian group has repeatedly stated that Israel is unwilling to commit to a permanent ceasefire, prolonging the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

The collapse of talks marks a significant setback in international efforts to end the months-long conflict, which has resulted in thousands of casualties and a severe humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave.

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