Israel and Hamas: Stuck in a Loop

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted that his government is looking into other ways to handle the situation with Hamas, instead of continuing the current talks. This comes after both Israel and the U. S. pulled their negotiating teams out of Qatar. The U. S. envoy, Steve Witkoff, mentioned that Hamas' recent response showed they weren't really interested in a truce. Netanyahu backed this up, saying Hamas is the main reason a hostage release deal hasn't happened yet. Meanwhile, Hamas claims the talks are making progress and expects the Israeli team to return next week. They say the U. S. and Israel are just trying to put pressure on them. The main issues they're trying to work out include how to deliver humanitarian aid and what happens to Israeli troops after a ceasefire. The situation in Gaza is getting worse. More than 2 million people are facing hunger, and deaths from malnutrition are increasing. Many countries and groups have criticized Israel's blockade and new aid rules, saying even their staff can't get enough food. France has decided to recognize Palestine as a state, urging an end to the war. The talks have been going on for weeks, with small progress but no big breakthroughs. The deal on the table includes a 60-day ceasefire, the release of some hostages, and increased aid. But both sides have demands that are hard to meet. Hamas wants a full Israeli withdrawal and end to the war, while Israel wants Hamas to give up power and disarm. Families of the hostages are feeling the pressure. With around 50 hostages still in Gaza, and fewer than half believed to be alive, the start-stop nature of the talks is taking a toll. Israeli strikes continue, with recent attacks killing at least 22 people.