PM calls back top members of Doha team due to ‘Hamas refusal’ of deal based on Witkoff framework, leaves behind some reps

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announces that after a week of “intensive” hostage talks in Doha — which have not yet shown progress toward a deal — high-level members of the negotiating team will return to Israel, while some representatives stay back.

“After about a week of intensive talks in Doha, the senior negotiation team will return to Israel for consultations, while working-level representatives will remain in Doha for the time being,” writes the Prime Minister’s Office in a statement.

“Israel agrees to the American proposal for the return of the hostages, which is based on the Witkoff framework,” adds the PMO, referring to US Envoy Steve Witkoff’s proposal for a short-term ceasefire in exchange for about half of the living hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.

“This proposal was recently conveyed to Hamas via the mediators, but so far, it continues to cling to its refusal,” says the PMO.