“While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith," Witkoff said in a statement. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza.”
Witkoff said the U.S. is “resolute” in seeking an end to the conflict in Gaza and it was “a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way.”
Earlier Thursday, Israeli Prime Minster Benjamin Netanyahu’s office recalled his country's negotiating team back to Israel in light of Hamas’ response. In a brief statement, the prime minister’s office expressed its appreciation for the efforts of Witkoff and mediators Qatar and Egypt, but it gave no further details.
Meanwhile, French President Macron announced Thursday that his country will recognize Palestine as a state.
Macron said in a post on X that he will formalize the decision at the United Nations General Assembly in September.
″Given its historic commitment to a just and sustainable peace in the Middle East, I have decided that France will recognize the state of Palestine,'' Macron posted.
France has Europe’s largest Jewish population and the largest Muslim population in western Europe, and fighting in the Middle East often spills over into protests or other tensions in France.
The Israeli Foreign Ministry had no immediate comment.
