Hamas rejects Trump’s remarks, blames 'Israel' for blocking aid
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Hamas rejects Trump’s claims about Gaza talks, blaming "Israel" for obstructing progress and calling on the US to stop shielding the occupation.
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Palestinians walk along a road toward an area in the northern Gaza Strip, in Gaza City, on July 25, 2025. (AP Photo/Abdel Kareem Hana)
Hamas expressed surprise on Saturday at recent statements made by US President Donald Trump and earlier by US envoy Steve Witkoff regarding the ongoing Gaza negotiations. The movement said these remarks contradict the reality of the talks and the assessment of key mediators.
In a press statement, senior Hamas official Izzat al-Rishq criticized the US statements as being inconsistent with the progress of the negotiation process, noting that "the mediating parties, particularly Qatar and Egypt, express their satisfaction and appreciation for our serious and constructive position."
Al-Rishq emphasized that Hamas has acted "with national responsibility and high flexibility" since the start of the Gaza negotiations, to reach a comprehensive agreement that would halt aggression and alleviate the suffering of residents in the Gaza Strip.
According to al-Rishq, Hamas’s final response to the negotiation proposals was submitted following extensive consultations with Palestinian factions, mediators, and friendly nations. He said the movement responded positively and flexibly to observations raised during discussions, working within the framework of the Witkoff document.
Movement highlights flexibility in talks
The Hamas official also underlined that the movement has demanded clarity and guarantees, particularly concerning the humanitarian aspects of any agreement. These include ensuring a substantial flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza through United Nations agencies without interference from the occupation.
As part of its negotiation efforts, Hamas pushed for reducing the depth of buffer zones controlled by the occupation forces during the proposed 60-day period, aiming to avoid densely populated areas and facilitate the return of displaced residents to their homes.
These positions reflect the movement’s effort to maintain a balanced approach in addressing both security concerns and humanitarian needs amid the ongoing US mediation in Gaza.
Hamas also rejected what it described as false allegations from the US administration claiming the movement had stolen aid intended for the Gaza Strip. The movement referred to a Reuters report based on a USAID investigation, which found no evidence linking Hamas to the theft of US aid.
Hamas denies US allegations on aid theft
In its statement, Hamas called on the US to stop offering political and military support to the Israeli occupation, accusing it of enabling continued acts of starvation and extermination against more than two million Palestinians in Gaza.
The movement urged Washington to play a constructive role by pressuring the occupation government to engage seriously in a political process that would lead to a prisoner exchange deal, end the aggression, and alleviate the suffering of Palestinian detainees.
US President Trump had declared on Friday, "We have withdrawn from the Gaza negotiations, and this is unfortunate. Hamas has not been interested in concluding any deal, and Hamas must be eliminated."
Hamas responded by reaffirming that the real obstacle to progress lies with the Netanyahu government, which it accused of evading commitments and placing roadblocks to any potential agreement.
Trump issues carte blanche for ongoing genocide
On Friday, Trump intensified his rhetoric on Gaza, blaming the Palestinian Resistance movement Hamas for the breakdown of ceasefire negotiations and claiming that Hamas "didn’t really want to make a deal" and that they "want to die."
The remarks come amid growing global outrage over US complicity in the unfolding genocide in Gaza. Washington has repeatedly vetoed UN Security Council resolutions calling for a ceasefire, while continuing to supply the Israeli occupation forces with billions of dollars’ worth of weapons used in the ongoing bombardment and siege of the enclave.
Trump’s comments followed the withdrawal of both US and Israeli negotiators from indirect ceasefire talks in Doha. Despite Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s public claim that "Israel" remains open to a deal, Hamas swiftly rejected accusations that it is obstructing the process. Instead, the movement reaffirmed its commitment to "serious and responsible" negotiations aimed at halting the aggression that began on October 7, 2023.
