Washington: US President Donald J. Trump expressed regret over the withdrawal of US mediators from the ongoing truce talks in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to reporters at the White House, he attributed the withdrawal to a perceived lack of desire on the part of the Palestinian movement Hamas to reach a ceasefire and hostage release agreement with Israel.
According to Kuwait News Agency, President Trump's remarks came a day after US Special Envoy to the Middle East, Steve Witkoff, announced that the Trump administration had decided to recall its team from the ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, for consultations. The talks were aimed at securing the release of the remaining hostages, which Trump previously stated would be the most challenging aspect of the negotiations.