Special envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to travel to Europe and possibly Middle East for meetings on issues including the Israel-Hamas conflict.

CAIRO (AP) — Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his government was considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas after Israel and the U.S. recalled their negotiating teams, throwing the future of the negotiations into further uncertainty.

Hamas issued a scathing statement in which it rejected U.S. criticism of its handling of negotiations aimed at ending the nearly two-year-long war in Gaza.

U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff called off ceasefire negotiations with Hamas on Thursday, saying the terrorist group was not negotiating

Hamas "didn't really want to make a deal" on a new Gaza cease-fire and hostage release, Trump said after the U.S. and Israel pulled negotiations from Qatar.

Witkoff had previously indicated he would not return to the Middle East until Israel and Hamas were close to reaching a peace agreement

The State Department's spokesperson says President Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, is planning to head to the Middle East as the U.S. tries once again to solidify a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.

After State Department spokesperson announces US envoy is already heading to region, source clarifies that he is going to Europe and will only continue the trip if talks further progress

U.S. Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff said on Thursday that the Trump administration has decided to bring its team home from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations.

The U.S. has withdrawn from Doha ceasefire talks after Hamas' response showed a "lack of desire" for an agreement. Israel also pulled negotiators amid escalating demands.