Trump says Hamas ‘didn’t want’ Gaza deal as talks break down

U.S. President Donald Trump accused Hamas on Friday (July 25, 2025) of not wanting to reach a ceasefire deal in Gaza as Israel said it would explore “alternative options” to rescue hostages after negotiations collapsed.

An Israeli official meanwhile told AFP air drops of aid would resume soon over the Gaza Strip, where aid groups warned of surging numbers of malnourished children after more than 21 months of war.

After U.S. and Israeli negotiators quit indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar, Mr. Trump said that “it was was too bad. Hamas didn’t really want to make a deal. I think they want to die.”

The U.S. President argued that the Palestinian militant group was not ready to hand over the remaining captives in Gaza because “they know what happens after you get the final hostages”.

His special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of not “acting in good faith” in the negotiations that ended on Thursday (July 24, 2025).

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim in turn accused Mr. Witkoff of distorting the reality of the talks and walking back on agreements that had been reached between the parties.

Mr. Witkoff was looking to “serve the Israeli position”, Naim told AFP.

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that “together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas’s terror rule, and secure lasting peace.”

Mr. Witkoff similarly said Washington would “consider alternative options” on Gaza, without elaborating on what they could entail.

Mr. Netanyahu’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called to reinstate a complete aid blockade, occupy the entirety of Gaza, “encourage” its people to leave and re-establish Israeli settlements there.

Mediators Qatar and Egypt said the talks could still resume, vowing to carry on with “intensive efforts” to secure an elusive breakthrough.