Politics
Steve Witkoff: I Was ‘Duped’ by Hamas Before Ceasefire Collapsed
Clear Facts
- Steve Witkoff, U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, expressed concerns about being misled by Hamas during ceasefire negotiations.
- Witkoff believed a temporary ceasefire agreement, involving the safe return of hostages, was nearly finalized before Israel resumed air strikes.
- 59 Israeli hostages remain in Hamas custody, with reports suggesting that many may have died while being held.
Steve Witkoff, the U.S. Special Envoy to the Middle East, revealed his suspicion that Hamas may have deceived him during critical negotiations. These talks aimed to secure a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Palestine, which would have included the safe return of hostages held by Hamas.
Witkoff highlighted the efforts of U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari officials in brokering this potential agreement. However, he expressed disappointment as the ceasefire fell through, leading to a resumption of Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip on March 17.
“I was in Doha. I met with many of the Arab leaders at the Arab summit. I thought we had a deal, an acceptable deal. I even thought we had approval from Hamas. Maybe that’s just me getting duped,” Witkoff stated.
Despite his optimism, Witkoff acknowledged that Hamas had previously rejected two mediation proposals that could have facilitated the release of more hostages. He emphasized that Hamas had numerous opportunities to demilitarize and accept a bridging proposal, which would have allowed for a 40 or 50-day ceasefire to discuss demilitarization and a final truce.
“Hamas had every opportunity to demilitarize, to accept the bridging proposal… And this becomes the alternative. It is unfortunate,” he remarked.
Witkoff remains open to future negotiations, stating, “Do I think we would be amenable to a reach out from Hamas? Of course we would be. No different than in the Russian conflict, we want to end the killing.”
The situation remains dire, with 59 Israeli hostages still in Hamas custody. Reports indicate that 58 of these hostages were captured on October 7, 2023, while one was taken earlier. Tragically, Israel suspects that 35 of these hostages may have died, and four American hostages are reportedly dead. However, there is a glimmer of hope, as Edan Alexander of New Jersey is believed to be alive.
Witkoff’s comments underscore the complexity and challenges of negotiating peace in the region, emphasizing the need for clarity on who the aggressor is. “We need to be clear who the aggressor is here, and that is Hamas,” he concluded.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Ben Jr
March 25, 2025 at 5:27 am
Duped? Stupid more like it! You people oughta know by now you cannot ever trust a Muslim. They are allowed by their religion to lie to infidels, which you are, according to them. The only answer to Hamas is their total annihilation!
Marisa McConnell
March 25, 2025 at 12:12 pm
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Lisa
March 25, 2025 at 7:41 am
you are an idiot for believing that terrorist…YOU SUCK
Mark Steckloff
March 25, 2025 at 7:45 am
“Witkoff’s comments underscore … the need for clarity on who the aggressor is. ‘We need to be clear who the aggressor is here, and that is Hamas,’ he concluded.”
Very true. Now if only his boss understood who the aggressor is in Ukraine. It is the invader, Russia.
RobL
March 25, 2025 at 11:31 am
It is truly hard to believe anyone this ignorant of just who is the enemy can be anywhere close to negotiations such as this. One wonders if he’s ever studied the muslims. Taqiyya is a central tenet to their so-called ‘belief’ system which revolves around perverted low level seventh-century thinking promulgated in a desert tent. It requires that they lie about everything to their enemies and those with whom they may negotiate in any setting.
Witkoff should be removed from his post, on grounds of stupidity, if nothing else.
Ronald
March 25, 2025 at 6:46 pm
After 1,393 years of lying, did he think the Muslims were going to be truthful? He is an idiot, and Trump should replace him. It is widely known that Muslims are in a perpetual state of war with the West, and it is permissible to lie to your enemy. They only understand brute force; anything else is regarded as weakness.