Trump envoy Witkoff says U.S. cutting short Gaza ceasefire talks, bringing home negotiating team
NBC2 days
US, Israel Withdraw from Gaza Ceasefire Talks
Above: U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff outside of the West Wing of the White House on Feb. 4, 2025. Image copyright: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
Hamas has consistently obstructed peace efforts by making unreasonable demands and refusing to negotiate in good faith. The group's latest response demonstrated an apparent unwillingness to reach a ceasefire, forcing mediators to abandon talks. Hamas broke previous ceasefires and continues prioritizing its militant agenda over Palestinian welfare.
Pro-Palestine narrative
Israel's blockade and military operations are causing widespread starvation in Gaza, preventing vital supplies from reaching suffering families and obstructing real peace talks. The humanitarian crisis highlights Israel's disregard for Palestinian lives. The ongoing restrictions exacerbate the devastation and hinder meaningful efforts for peace.
Pro-Israel narrative
Israel has decided to pull back from the Qatar talks, but this doesn't mean that discussions have collapsed. Israel is making it clear to Hamas that there must be a meaningful shift in stance from a posture of "rejectionism" to being more constructive and accounting for Israeli security concerns.
Metaculus Prediction
There's a 10% chance that the Gaza war will end and significant progress will be made towards a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict before January 1, 2030, according to the Metaculus prediction community.