U.S. envoy pauses Doha mediation, cites Hamas 'bad faith' and says alternatives to free hostages will be considered

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff has pulled the U.S. team out of Doha-led ceasefire negotiations and will consider “alternative options” to bring hostages home after, in the State Department’s view, Hamas repeatedly failed to act in good faith, a department spokesperson said at a briefing. The move came as the department reiterated that the United States remains committed to a ceasefire but said the core issue is whether Hamas is willing to negotiate one. “The question here has never been our commitment to a ceasefire. The question has been Hamas’s commitment to a ceasefire,” the State Department spokesperson said. The spokesperson said the envoy’s decision follows what the statement described as a lack of coordination within Hamas and repeated failures to follow through on ceasefire arrangements. “We have entered in good faith in trying to reach an end to this conflict,” the spokesperson said, adding that the United States will explore other options to secure hostage releases if negotiations do not produce results. The department declined to disclose what alternatives might be under consideration. “I’m not going to expand on his statement at this time,” the spokesperson said when asked to specify possible measures. The spokesperson also pushed back on suggestions that the United States was abandoning diplomatic efforts, saying private and public engagement would continue. He further noted the administration’s broader diplomatic activity in the region, including travel by senior officials aimed at strengthening alliances and operational posture. The State Department confirmed it will not attend an upcoming two-state solution conference in New York, according to the spokesperson, who said, “we will not be in attendance of that conference.” The announcement prompted repeated questions about whether U.S. disengagement from the Doha format would reduce pressure on Hamas or limit humanitarian relief; the department said those concerns are being addressed separately and that humanitarian channels remain a priority. No formal U.S. action beyond the envoy’s withdrawal was announced at the briefing. The spokesperson said any future steps would be announced when finalized.