End of ceasefire? Netanyahu hints at 'alternative' means to bring hostages home

Jerusalem: Israel and its US allies are now considering "alternative" options to bring their hostages home from Gaza and end the rule of Hamas in the territory, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday, apparently calling an end to ceasefire talks.

The remarks echoed statements made overnight by US envoy Steve Witkoff after Israel and the United States pulled their delegations out of the talks in Doha, mediated by Egypt and Qatar.

Witkoff said Hamas was to blame for an impasse. Netanyahu said Witkoff had got it right, and that Hamas was the obstacle to a deal.

Hamas, which had given its response to a US-backed ceasefire proposal on Thursday, has disputed Witkoff's characterisation of the talks and said the negotiators were making progress.

The proposed ceasefire would have lasted 60 days during which additional aid would be allowed into Gaza, and some of the remaining 50 hostages held by militants there would be freed in return for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.