Special Envoy Steve Witkoff says team withdrawn from Doha, cites Hamas "not acting in good faith"

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said he had decided to bring his team home from Doha for consultations after what he described as Hamas’ latest response, which "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza."

Witkoff said mediators in Doha had "made a great effort," but that "Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith." He added, "We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza." In a second, separate remark he said, "We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza."

Why this matters: the withdrawal of a negotiating team from Doha removes one channel of direct diplomatic engagement that negotiators have used in efforts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages. Witkoff’s statement signals a pause in the envoy’s on-site negotiating presence and a possible shift to other tactics, though he did not specify what alternatives would be pursued.

What was announced and what remains unclear: Witkoff announced that the team would be brought home for consultations; he characterized Hamas’ response as showing a lack of desire for a ceasefire and said the group was "not acting in good faith." He said negotiators would "consider alternative options" to secure hostages and stabilize Gaza. He described Hamas’ conduct as selfish. The statement did not specify the composition or size of the team, the timing of the withdrawal, what exact alternatives are under consideration, or whether other governments or mediators will continue to operate in Doha.

Context: The remarks were presented as a statement by the special envoy rather than the result of a multilateral vote or formal diplomatic communiqué. No legal authorities, formal agreements, or coordinating bodies were cited in the statement, and no implementation timeline was provided.

Next steps noted by the envoy were limited to further consultations; Witkoff did not announce new negotiators, a timetable for their return, or details of possible measures to secure hostage releases.