Israel and the United States have recalled their negotiating teams from Doha after receiving Hamas’s latest response to a proposed Gaza cease-fire. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office said the Israeli delegation returned for consultations, while U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accused Hamas of failing to act “in good faith” and announced that Washington would now explore other avenues to secure the release of hostages and stabilise Gaza. According to Israeli officials, Hamas’s counter-proposal did not contain concessions that would allow talks to advance. Netanyahu reiterated that negotiations to end the war could proceed during a planned 60-day truce but warned that Israel would resume military operations if Hamas is not disarmed and dismantled within that period. Witkoff echoed the concern, saying mediators had “made a great effort” without achieving a breakthrough. Hamas said it was surprised by the withdrawals and insisted it had shown “responsibility and flexibility”. A source familiar with the group’s reply told Reuters the amendments seek guarantees that negotiations continue beyond the 60-day pause without a return to fighting, call for opening the Rafah crossing in both directions, and request clearer provisions on aid deliveries and Israeli troop redeployments. The draft framework under discussion envisions a two-month cease-fire, phased hostage releases in exchange for Palestinian prisoners and expanded humanitarian access. Nearly two years of conflict have left about 60,000 Palestinians dead, according to Gaza health authorities, while Israel cites roughly 1,200 fatalities and 251 abductions from Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack. With hunger spreading in the enclave and domestic pressure mounting on all parties, mediators in Qatar and Egypt say they are ready to resume shuttling between the sides when conditions allow.