US Ambassador Steve Witkoff has pulled the United States out of ceasefire talks with Hamas in Gaza, dealing a significant blow to efforts to end violence in the region. The decision marks a significant shift in the Obama administration’s approach to the Middle East conflict.
Witkoff’s withdrawal from the talks comes amid growing pressure on the US to take a more decisive stance against Hamas, which has been designated as a terrorist organization by the State Department. The move is seen as a test of the administration’s commitment to finding a peaceful solution to the conflict.
The ceasefire negotiations had been ongoing since last month and were seen as a key step towards reducing violence in Gaza. However, the US decision to withdraw from the talks has raised hopes that Hamas will continue to reject a lasting peace agreement.
Details of the US withdrawal from the talks are still emerging, but it is clear that the decision was made by Ambassador Witkoff, who had been leading the US delegation at the negotiations. The reason for his departure is not yet publicly known.
Source: https://www.ft.com/content/ee9164e6-ac60-4aef-aeec-d8ad0f659fcd