(TEL AVIV, Israel) -- The U.S. is bringing home its team from Doha, Qatar, "after the latest response from Hamas, which clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a ceasefire in Gaza," U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff announced on social media.
"While the mediators have made a great effort, Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith. We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza," Witkoff said.
"It is a shame that Hamas has acted in this selfish way. We are resolute in seeking an end to this conflict and a permanent peace in Gaza," he added.
The talks had seemed more positive earlier in the day Thursday.
The Israeli Prime Minister's Office announced that, "in light of the response that Hamas gave this morning, it was decided to return the negotiating team" from Doha "for further consultations in Israel."
Hamas' latest response to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal is "currently being reviewed" by Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said at the time.
Hamas announced Wednesday night it had submitted to mediators a response to the ceasefire deal currently on the table. The details of Hamas' response were not immediately made public.
A trilateral meeting in Italy between top Israeli, Qatari and American officials was slated to discuss Hamas' response as early as Thursday, sources familiar with the matter told ABC News. Witkoff himself, President Donald Trump's Mideast envoy, was traveling to Italy to meet with top officials regarding a Gaza ceasefire, the U.S. State Department said Wednesday.
Representatives from Israel and the militant group have been in Doha, Qatar, for more than two weeks working on a ceasefire proposal for the 21-month-old conflict in Gaza.
Those negotiations continue as more than 100 aid groups warned Wednesday that the enclave was on the verge of "mass starvation."
ABC News' Diaa Ostaz contributed to this report.
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