Donald Trump, the former US President, attributed the breakdown in Gaza ceasefire talks to Hamas, implicitly endorsing an escalation of the Israeli military operation. Speaking before a trip to Scotland, Trump expressed strong disapproval of Hamas, stating, “I think they want to die, and it’s very, very bad.” He further commented that Israel would need to “finish the job.” These comments signaled a significant change from his previous positive outlook on a potential deal. The US administration had withdrawn its negotiators from Doha, citing concerns about Hamas’s lack of good faith during negotiations. Steve Witkoff, Trump’s Middle East envoy, is now exploring other ways to free the hostages. Trump described his interactions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “sort of disappointing.” He stated that Israel would have to “fight and they’re gonna have to clean it up. You’re gonna have to get rid of ’em.” Officials from Egypt and Qatar, however, stated that the pause in talks was normal given the complexities. A senior Israeli official also said that the talks hadn’t completely collapsed. Trump suggested that Hamas had little incentive to negotiate due to the decreasing number of hostages held. US officials hope that Trump’s tough stance will pressure Hamas to re-engage in talks. Tammy Bruce, a State Department spokeswoman, pointed out the available tools and options. Regarding US aid, Trump mentioned that $60 million had been contributed. An internal US review found no evidence of widespread theft of US-funded aid by Hamas in Gaza. Trump is scheduled to meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who has called Israel’s military escalation in Gaza “indefensible.” French President Emmanuel Macron’s plan to recognize a Palestinian state at the UN General Assembly in September was dismissed by Trump.
