Trump pulls back U.S. negotiators from ceasefire talks as humanitarian crisis deepens

In the midst of an ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Donald Trump’s administration has experienced a significant shift in its approach toward ceasefire negotiations with Hamas. The crisis has escalated into a situation where many civilians are reportedly suffering extreme malnutrition, with one UN official describing them as 'walking corpses.' Despite previous optimism that a deal to end the fighting was close, Trump's recent comments reveal his disillusionment and frustration. He noted the U.S. decided to pull back its negotiators after assessing that Hamas was neither coordinating nor acting in good faith regarding the negotiations. Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Middle East envoy, indicated that alternative options were being considered for securing the release of hostages held by Hamas, further complicating the situation. In a stark assessment of the group's intentions, Trump remarked on the perceived unwillingness of Hamas to engage in a meaningful deal. His comments followed a dinner meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which Trump described as disappointing, underscoring tensions within the negotiations. The U.S. officials and Trump himself acknowledge that Hamas is aware of the consequences that linger after hostages are released, creating a deadlock in the negotiations. The sticking points include how and when the conflict will conclude, the number of Palestinian prisoners to be released, and the redeployment of Israeli military forces in Gaza. Despite Trump’s declaration that the U.S. has tried to broker peace and will enjoy some success, the lack of a clear timeline indicates ongoing frustrations. In addition to the political machinations, international reactions to the humanitarian situation have been growing more urgent. Tunisian President Kais Saied confronted Trump’s senior Africa adviser, highlighting the dire circumstances of children affected by food shortages in Gaza. With ongoing military actions by Israel and the stalled negotiations, the future remains uncertain, and the humanitarian crisis continues to deepen as Trump’s administration recalibrates its approach in dealing with Hamas and Israel.