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.

Only a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump seemed confident a deal was days away that would end the fighting in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and allow aid to flow into an enclave where people are starving to death.

Trump envoy Steve Witkoff blames Hamas as Gaza ceasefire talks stall yet again, bringing no hope for starving Palestinian children.

Global leaders and international aid organizations have been issuing escalating warnings about famine in the war-torn region.

Militants “didn’t want to make” a deal, Trump said after U.S., Israeli ceasefire negotiators pulled back from talks.

In May, Trump secured the release of Edan Alexander, the last US Israeli citizen held hostage after Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, surprise attack on southern Israel, which killed about 1,200 people, mainly civilians, and started the latest war. Alexander, who grew up in Tenafly, NJ, had been serving in the Israeli military when he was captured.