Before departing for Doha, Witkoff says ‘we need deadlines’ for deal on next phase in ceasefire

Lazar Berman is The Times of Israel's diplomatic reporter

Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy for the Middle East, speaks with reporters at the White House, March 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)
Steve Witkoff, White House special envoy for the Middle East, speaks with reporters at the White House, March 6, 2025, in Washington. (AP/Alex Brandon)

US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff says a “starter” for moving forward on a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is the terror group demilitarizing and leaving Gaza.

Speaking on Fox News’s America’s Newsroom before he flies to Qatar for talks with Israel and Hamas, Witkoff says Hamas has “no alternative” other than disarming and leaving the Gaza Strip.

“If they leave, then all things are on the table for a negotiated peace, and that’s what they’ll need to do,” he says.

“We need deadlines” for an agreement on the next phase in a deal, says Witkoff, adding that the conditions the hostages are being held in are “unacceptable” and “deplorable.”

He also praises Qatar for its mediation, saying it has been “outstanding.”

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