Steve Witkoff admits being duped by Hamas in peace talks

In an unexpected admission during a recent interview, Steve Witkoff, a key negotiator for Donald Trump on Middle East Affairs, confessed that he might have been misled by Hamas during peace talks. This revelation emerged from discussions he had while in Doha, Qatar, where he engaged with several Arab leaders at the Arab summit. Witkoff expressed that he believed an acceptable deal was on the table, potentially involving an extension of a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel. However, Hamas's subsequent refusal to accept the proposed terms raised doubts about the validity of the agreement he thought was reached. Witkoff's comments came on a Fox News program, where the negotiator laid out his optimism for the negotiations aimed at resolving the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. He recalled his meetings with Arab leaders, during which he felt that they were close to achieving a significant breakthrough. Interestingly, while discussing the implications of his dealings, Witkoff characterized Hamas as the aggressor in the situation, despite expressing a willingness to engage in dialogue with them in the future. This duality highlights the challenging landscape of Middle Eastern diplomacy. The fallout from Witkoff's admission sent ripples through the Republican party, prompting reactions from various corners of the MAGA movement. JD Vance, the Vice President, quickly defended Witkoff, asserting that the backlash against him stemmed from jealousy over his successes in negotiations, an endeavor that has historically eluded many others. This defense was met with mixed reactions; while some supporters rallied to praise Witkoff's commitment to diplomacy, critics voiced concerns about the potential implications of being misled during talks with a group known for its tactics in negotiations. Moreover, this incident raised eyebrows within conservative circles, especially among those skeptical of Trump's foreign policy approaches. The National Review, a prominent conservative publication, candidly criticized Witkoff for his apparent naivety. The response underscores the divisions within the party regarding foreign policy and the effectiveness of Trump's strategies in handling complex international relations. As the debate surrounding this revelation continues, it serves as a reminder of the perils inherent in diplomatic negotiations, particularly in volatile regions such as the Middle East.