Netanyahu, Trump Halt Gaza Ceasefire Talks as Macron Recognizes Palestinian State

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and U.S. President Donald Trump signaled an end to ceasefire negotiations with Hamas, accusing the militant group of rejecting peace efforts amid Gaza’s worsening humanitarian crisis. Netanyahu said Israel is considering “alternative” measures to free hostages and dismantle Hamas rule, while Trump declared Hamas leaders would be “hunted down,” claiming the group “didn’t want to make a deal.”

The suspension follows Israel and the U.S. withdrawing from Qatar-mediated talks after Hamas responded to a truce proposal. Mediators from Qatar and Egypt insist progress has been made, but disagreements remain over Israeli troop withdrawal and post-ceasefire arrangements. The proposed deal included a 60-day truce, increased humanitarian aid, and prisoner exchanges.

Tensions escalated further as French President Emmanuel Macron announced France will recognize an independent Palestinian state, making it the first major Western power to do so. Britain and Germany stopped short of recognition but joined France in urging an immediate ceasefire. Trump dismissed Macron’s move, saying it “doesn’t carry weight.”

Meanwhile, Gaza faces acute starvation, with U.N. agencies warning of dwindling therapeutic food for malnourished children. Palestinian health officials report dozens dying from hunger and continued Israeli airstrikes, including one hitting a school sheltering displaced families. Israel claims it allows adequate food aid and blames U.N. distribution failures, while Hamas calls Israeli airdrops of aid “a stunt” and demands an open humanitarian corridor.

The conflict erupted after Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages. Since then, nearly 60,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, as Israel’s military campaign devastates the enclave.