GAZA Updates: Hamas Rebukes Trump’s Remarks, Reaffirms Commitment to Gaza Ceasefire Talks
GAZA CITY — July 26, 2025 — The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas expressed sharp disapproval on Saturday over recent statements made by former U.S. President Donald Trump and U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza. Hamas officials called the comments misleading and contrary to the progress recognized by key mediators, including Qatar and Egypt.
In a press statement, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized the U.S. administration’s portrayal of the negotiation process, describing it as “inconsistent with the reality of the talks” and a distortion of the facts acknowledged by international mediators.
“The mediating parties, particularly Qatar and Egypt, express their satisfaction and appreciation for our serious and constructive position,” al-Rishq stated.
Contradictions in U.S. Rhetoric
Trump’s remarks came on Friday, when he publicly declared that the United States had “withdrawn from the Gaza negotiations,” blaming Hamas for a lack of interest in reaching a deal. “Hamas must be eliminated,” Trump asserted, adding that the group “didn’t really want to make a deal” and “wants to die.”
Hamas quickly responded, denouncing the comments as inflammatory and disconnected from the diplomatic reality. The group reaffirmed that the primary obstacle to reaching an agreement was the Netanyahu-led Israeli government, which it accused of evading commitments and deliberately derailing the peace process.
Al-Rishq emphasized that Hamas had engaged with the negotiations in a spirit of “national responsibility and high flexibility,” with the aim of reaching a comprehensive agreement that would halt Israeli aggression and bring relief to Gaza’s besieged population.
Humanitarian and Security Priorities in Talks
According to al-Rishq, Hamas submitted its final response to the most recent proposals after extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, regional mediators, and allied nations. He said the movement had responded positively to revisions in the draft agreement, known as the Witkoff Document, and that their stance was shaped by humanitarian concerns and a desire to end the suffering of more than two million Palestinians in Gaza.
Among Hamas’s key demands were:
- Uninterrupted humanitarian aid delivery, administered by United Nations agencies without interference from Israeli authorities.
- Reduction in the depth of Israeli-controlled buffer zones during the proposed 60-day ceasefire period, to allow displaced residents to return to their homes safely.
- Clear guarantees and enforcement mechanisms to ensure Israeli compliance with any signed agreement.
“These positions reflect the movement’s effort to maintain a balanced approach in addressing both security concerns and humanitarian needs,” al-Rishq said.
Rejection of U.S. Allegations over Aid Misuse
In addition to addressing negotiations, Hamas strongly rejected recent U.S. allegations that the group had stolen aid intended for Gaza’s civilian population. The movement cited a Reuters report referencing a USAID internal investigation, which found no evidence linking Hamas to the diversion or theft of humanitarian aid.
“These false accusations are part of a political campaign to discredit Palestinian resistance,” the Hamas statement said.
The group called on the United States to end its political and military support for Israel, accusing Washington of enabling war crimes, including the “deliberate starvation and extermination” of Gaza’s population.
U.S. Role Under Fire Amid Global Outrage
Trump’s latest statements have sparked renewed outrage both domestically and internationally, with critics accusing the U.S. of complicity in the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza. The Biden administration, like Trump’s before it, has continued to provide billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, while repeatedly using its veto power at the United Nations to block ceasefire resolutions.
The withdrawal of both U.S. and Israeli negotiators from indirect talks in Doha earlier this week has further fueled concerns that Washington is not acting in good faith. While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has insisted that his government remains open to a deal, observers point to Israel’s escalating military operations in southern and central Gaza as a sign of bad faith.
Hamas Reaffirms Commitment to Political Resolution
Despite the breakdown in U.S.-mediated talks, Hamas reiterated its commitment to serious negotiations, underscoring its desire to reach a political agreement that includes a comprehensive prisoner exchange, a ceasefire, and humanitarian access for Gaza.
“The goal is to end the aggression that began on October 7, 2023, and to lift the unbearable blockade on our people,” al-Rishq stated.
As the humanitarian crisis deepens and diplomatic channels falter, the path forward remains uncertain. But Hamas made clear that, in its view, it is Israel — not the Palestinian resistance — that continues to sabotage efforts toward peace.
