【By Observer News, Chen Sijia】According to China News Network, after Israel recalled its negotiation team from Doha, the capital of Qatar, U.S. Middle East envoy Wittkower announced on July 24 that the U.S. decided to end the Gaza ceasefire negotiations being held in Doha in advance, and the U.S. negotiation team will return to the United States. Wittkower blamed the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas), claiming that it "lacks the willingness to reach a Gaza ceasefire."

On July 25 local time, U.S. President Trump made threatening remarks about Hamas at the White House, stating, "Hamas does not want to reach an agreement; they are looking for death." Hamas officials rebutted the U.S. government's statements, accusing the U.S. of trying to benefit Israel by pressuring Hamas.

Trump attributed the failure of the ceasefire negotiations to Hamas, stating, "Now only a few hostages remain, and they clearly know what will happen once the last hostages are released. That is why they actually do not want to reach an agreement. Hamas is not really trying to reach an agreement, I think they want to die, which is very bad."

On the 24th, French President Macron announced that France would formally recognize the State of Palestine, planning to officially announce this decision during the United Nations General Assembly in September. Regarding this, Trump also criticized Macron: "He is a very good person, I like him, but such a statement lacks weight."

Video screenshot of U.S. President Trump

Negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and mediators the U.S., Qatar, and Egypt in Doha have continued for weeks without achieving breakthroughs.

Hamas submitted responses from multiple Palestinian factions, including itself, to the mediators on the ceasefire plan on the 24th, but the Israeli Prime Minister's Office suddenly decided to recall the negotiation team in Doha that afternoon.

Israeli sources said this move was intended to pressure Hamas. A few hours after Israel took action, U.S. Middle East envoy Wittkower also announced the recall of American negotiators, ending the negotiations in Doha in advance.

Wittkower said, "Although the mediators have made great efforts, Hamas seems not to have shown a coordinated or sincere attitude toward participating in the negotiations. We will consider other options to save the hostages and create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza." He accused Hamas of being "selfish" and stated that the U.S. would continue to "firmly" seek ways to end the conflict.

Hamas quickly rebutted Wittkower's statements. In a statement, Hamas said the organization has shown a responsible and flexible attitude in the ceasefire negotiations, and the mediators welcomed Hamas's "constructive and positive" stance. Hamas "wants to continue the negotiations and contact all parties in a way that helps overcome obstacles and lead to a permanent ceasefire agreement."

Hamas senior official Bassam Na'im said Wittkower's claims contradict the facts. He stated that differences on issues such as the ceasefire agenda, the commitment to continue negotiations to achieve a permanent agreement, and the method of delivering humanitarian aid have almost been resolved. He believes that Wittkower is trying to pressure Hamas to benefit Israel.

Na'im also revealed that Hamas was informed that the ceasefire negotiations would resume next week.

Egypt and Qatar said in a joint statement that the negotiations had made some progress, "It is natural to suspend the negotiations for consultations before resuming dialogue."

July 25, Israeli air strike on Gaza City, Visual China

It is reported that the proposed plan includes a 60-day ceasefire, during which Hamas will release 10 detained persons and the bodies of 18 detained persons. In exchange, Israel will release some Palestinian detainees and significantly increase the supply of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The two sides will then further negotiate for a permanent ceasefire.

However, the main difference between the two sides lies in post-war arrangements. According to insiders, Hamas stated that the conditions for releasing the hostages are the complete withdrawal of Israeli forces and the end of the war. Israel, however, insists that only if Hamas gives up power and disarms, will Israel end the war.

Data shows that since October 2023, Israel's military operations have caused at least 59,600 Palestinian deaths and over 143,000 injuries. Due to strict restrictions on aid entering Gaza, the famine crisis in Gaza has worsened, with the Gaza health department reporting that at least 122 people have died from starvation.

This article is exclusive to Observer News. Reproduction without permission is prohibited.

Original: https://www.toutiao.com/article/7531229868692931107/

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