Trump says Hamas 'didn't want' Gaza deal as talks break down
An Israeli official meanwhile told AFP air drops of aid would resume soon over the Gaza Strip, where aid groups warned of surging numbers of malnourished children after more than 21 months of war.
After U.S. and Israeli negotiators quit indirect talks with Hamas in Qatar, Mr. Trump said that "it was was too bad. Hamas didn't really want to make a deal. I think they want to die."
The U.S. President argued that the Palestinian militant group was not ready to hand over the remaining captives in Gaza because "they know what happens after you get the final hostages".
His special envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of not "acting in good faith" in the negotiations that ended on Thursday (July 24, 2025).
Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim in turn accused Mr. Witkoff of distorting the reality of the talks and walking back on agreements that had been reached between the parties.
Mr. Witkoff was looking to "serve the Israeli position", Naim told AFP.
Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "together with our U.S. allies, we are now considering alternative options to bring our hostages home, end Hamas's terror rule, and secure lasting peace."
Mr. Witkoff similarly said Washington would "consider alternative options" on Gaza, without elaborating on what they could entail.
Mr. Netanyahu's far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir called to reinstate a complete aid blockade, occupy the entirety of Gaza, "encourage" its people to leave and re-establish Israeli settlements there.
Mediators Qatar and Egypt said the talks could still resume, vowing to carry on with "intensive efforts" to secure an elusive breakthrough.
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She added that in a world where communication can be instantaneous but filtered through political rhetoric, leaders must be especially cautious. 'What's said online or in speeches can spark real-world consequences—especially when nuclear weapons are involved.' In the face of mounting criticism, President Trump defended his decision. He emphasized that the U.S. had no plans to initiate conflict but could not sit idle while a senior Russian official made what he termed 'reckless threats.' Trump insisted the move was not just about protecting American interests but also about showing strength in the face of intimidation. 'Words matter,' he wrote. 'When someone threatens nuclear retaliation, we must take it seriously.' This response plays into Trump's broader strategy of projecting American strength on the world stage, particularly in matters involving national security, energy dominance, and great power competition. The current climate raises difficult questions about the future of international diplomacy. With both Washington and Moscow hardening their stances, and with war still raging in Eastern Europe, the room for peaceful resolution appears to be narrowing. Analysts warn that mutual threats and weapons deployments only serve to erode what little trust remains between the superpowers. The absence of formal arms control talks, especially after the collapse of key nuclear treaties in recent years, makes these moments even more dangerous. Whether this incident becomes a turning point for reengagement—or the beginning of a new era of nuclear brinkmanship—remains to be seen. Trump's bold decision to deploy nuclear submarines close to Russian territory has transformed a war of words into a potential flashpoint. His warning to Medvedev—combined with the reality of submarine positioning—sends a clear message that the U.S. is ready to defend its interests and allies, even at great risk. At the same time, the move has rattled the international community, highlighting the urgent need for renewed diplomacy, strategic calm, and nuclear de-escalation. For now, all eyes are on what happens next—because in a world with nuclear weapons, miscommunication can become catastrophe in a matter of minutes. Q1: Why did Donald Trump deploy nuclear submarines near Russia? To respond to Medvedev's nuclear threats and rising tensions over Ukraine. Q2: What did Dmitry Medvedev say that triggered Trump's decision? He warned of Russia's Cold War-era nuclear retaliation system, the 'Dead Hand.'
