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The administration of US President Donald Trump continues to insist on implementing the “Witkoff plan” to extend the first phase of the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, but warns that the possibility of its adoption is rapidly disappearing.
According to a US State Department spokesperson in a commentary to The Times of Israel, Washington informed Israel in advance of the details of the initiative, which provides for the release of five Israeli hostages, including American Edan Alexander, in exchange for a large number of Palestinian prisoners.
However, Hamas’s response was “completely unacceptable”.
“This is a convincing offer. The Israelis were warned in advance. Hamas gave an absolutely impossible answer. There is still an opportunity, but it is rapidly disappearing,” said a representative of the US Department of State.
Why are the negotiations stalled?
Last week, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff presented a plan to extend the ceasefire. He effectively acknowledged Israel’s refusal of the second phase of the agreement, which provided for the complete withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza and the final cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of all living hostages.
However, Hamas insists on fulfilling the original terms of the January agreement, which Washington considers impossible.
US accuses Hamas of continuing war
The Trump administration stresses that it was Hamas’s refusal of the American offer that actually led to the resumption of hostilities.
“President Trump has made it clear what the consequences will be if Hamas retreats,” the State Department spokesman said, hinting at possible further US actions.
The White House spokesman also added that each new casualty could have been avoided if the group had agreed to the Wittkoff bridge deal.
What’s next?
Washington continues to put pressure on Hamas, accusing it of disrupting negotiations and escalating the conflict. Currently, the situation remains extremely tense, and the prospects for implementing the Witkoff Plan are becoming increasingly dim.
