US Middle East Envoy Steve Witkoff appeared on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper on Sunday, where he commented on Hamas’s offer for a ceasefire, dismissing it as a “non-starter.”
Witkoff explained that he had spent nearly seven and a half hours at the Arab Summit, engaging in constructive discussions that he believed could have had a significant impact, were it not for Hamas’s response. “I spent close to seven and a half hours at the Arab Summit, we had really positive conversations there, I would have described it as game-changing, but for Hamas’s response. We spent a good deal of time speaking about a bridge proposal that would see the release of five live hostages that would have included Eden Alexander. And also see the release of a substantial amount of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, which would be a wonderful thing for these Palestinian families,” Witkoff said.
He went on to describe his thoughts on the ceasefire proposal, expressing that he found it persuasive, with Israel being briefed in advance. “I thought the proposal was compelling, the Israelis were informed about it and advised about it beforehand. After waiting for about two or three days for an answer from Hamas, which is their usual mode, we got a non-acceptable response. I’m not going to go into the specific details of what made it unacceptable, but it was totally unacceptable,” he explained.
Witkoff also warned that Hamas’s chance to negotiate was slipping away. “There is an opportunity for them, but the opportunity is closing fast,” he noted.
Furthermore, he pointed out the importance of recent military actions against the Houthis, suggesting it should clarify the stance on terrorism. “It ought to inform as to where we stand with the regard to terrorism and our tolerance level for terrorist actions — and I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible than how they have been,” he said.
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