Hamas ‘impractical,’ Witkoff says, as hostage talks reach deadlock

U.S. Middle East special envoy Steve Witkoff on Friday blamed Hamas for disingenuously stalling negotiations over an extended ceasefire in Gaza, making “impractical” demands. “Unfortunately, Hamas has chosen to respond by publicly claiming flexibility while privately making demands that are entirely impractical without a permanent ceasefire,” Witkoff said in a statement in the wake of a new proposal formulated by Washington.

“Hamas is making a very bad bet that time is on its side. It is not,” the envoy warned. “Hamas is well aware of the deadline, and should know that we will respond accordingly if that deadline passes.”

On March 6, U.S. President Donald Trump issued an ultimatum to the Gaza-based terrorist organization, saying that it must release the remaining hostages or else there will be “HELL TO PAY LATER!” “President Trump has made it clear that Hamas will either release hostages immediately, or pay a severe price,” Witkoff said in his latest statement. (Read More)