Hamas Gets Put on Notice by Trump Special Envoy Steve Witkoff [WATCH]

Steve Witkoff discussed the latest developments in a proposed deal involving Hamas during an interview on CNN’s State of the Union with Jake Tapper.

The proposal, which included the release of five live hostages—among them Ibn Alexander—along with a significant number of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli jails, was met with resistance from Hamas.

Witkoff detailed his involvement in discussions surrounding the deal, emphasizing that he and senior policy director Eric Trager from Rep.

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Mike Waltz’s office spent considerable time at the Arab Summit negotiating the framework.

“The Hamas proposal is a nonstarter,” Witkoff stated.

“Jake, I spent, along with senior policy director Eric Trager from Mike Waltz’s office, I spent close to seven and a half hours at the Arab Summit. We had really positive conversation there. I would describe it as game-changing, but for Hamas’ response.”

The proposed arrangement sought to secure the release of hostages while also addressing Palestinian concerns by freeing a substantial number of prisoners held in Israeli jails.

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“We spent a good deal of time talking about a bridge, a bridge proposal that would see the release of five live hostages, that included Ibn Alexander, and also, by the way, see the release of a substantial amount of Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails, which would be a wonderful thing for these Palestinian families,” Witkoff explained.

While the proposal was well-received at the Arab Summit and had been shared with Israeli officials, Hamas delayed its response, ultimately rejecting the terms in a manner Witkoff described as unacceptable.

“The Israelis were informed about it and advised about it beforehand and after waiting for two or three days from Hamas, which is their usual mode, we got an unacceptable response,” Witkoff stated.

“I’m not going to go into the specific details of what made it unacceptable, but it was totally unacceptable.”

Witkoff warned that the opportunity for Hamas to engage in a reasonable negotiation was quickly fading.

He pointed to recent U.S. military action against the Houthis as an indicator of the broader stance against terrorism.

“I think there’s an opportunity for them, but the opportunity is closing fast,” Witkoff cautioned.

“What happened with the Houthis yesterday, what happened with our strike, ought to inform as to where we stand with regard to terrorism and our tolerance level for terrorist actions. And I would, I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible than how they have been.”

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff: “What happened with the Houthis yesterday, what happened with our strike, ought to inform as to where we stand with the regard to terrorism and our tolerance level for terrorist actions — and I would encourage Hamas to get much more sensible.” pic.twitter.com/2kn5lIThJN

— Rapid Response 47 (@RapidResponse47) March 16, 2025

With ongoing concerns over hostage situations and rising tensions in the region, Witkoff’s remarks reflect a growing impatience with Hamas’ refusal to negotiate in good faith.

The international community, he suggested, is closely watching how Hamas responds to these diplomatic efforts.

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