The United States has pulled its negotiating team from Gaza ceasefire talks in Qatar, with U.S. Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff declaring on Thursday that Hamas had failed to engage "in good faith," effectively suspending the latest round of diplomatic efforts to end the 22-month conflict.
The withdrawal came shortly after Israel similarly recalled its delegation from Doha, with both nations coordinating their response to what they characterized as Hamas' unrealistic new demands.
Hamas officials expressed surprise at the American accusations, issuing an early Friday statement that described their organization as having shown "responsible flexibility" throughout the negotiations.
The group maintained it remains committed to reaching a "permanent ceasefire" agreement despite the current impasse.
The Palestinian faction's latest proposal had included previously unreported conditions, including guarantees against Israeli military action after any 60-day truce period and the release of militants involved in the attacks on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.
US withdraws from Gaza ceasefire talks, accuses Hamas of lacking good faith in negotiation
US withdraws from Gaza ceasefire talks, accuses Hamas of lacking good faith in negotiation
US withdraws from Gaza ceasefire talks, accuses Hamas of lacking good faith in negotiation
The Republic of Korea (ROK)'s former impeached President Yoon Suk-yeol on Friday was sentenced to five years in prison on arrest obstruction charges.
The criminal division of the Seoul Central District Court in charge of Yoon's obstruction of justice case handed down the prison sentence to Yoon for abusing the presidential security service to hinder the anti-corruption agency from executing its arrest warrant in January 2025.
The Corruption Investigation Office for High-ranking Officials (CIO) was once thwarted in its attempt to arrest Yoon as the presidential security service formed human shields and bus blockades to prevent investigators from entering the presidential residence.
The team of Cho Eun-suk, an independent counsel who led investigations into Yoon's insurrection and other charges, demanded a 10-year prison term for Yoon.
The court said Yoon privatized the presidential security service for personal safety and private interests by blocking the law enforcement agencies' lawful execution of an arrest warrant and attempting to destroy evidence, pointing out that despite the very bad nature of his crime, he consistently offered unconvincing excuses and showed no remorse.
The court stressed that severe punishment was necessary, considering the need to restore the rule of law damaged by Yoon's crime, but it noted that the fact that he was a first-time offender with no criminal record was considered a favorable factor.
The sentencing, which was broadcast live, was Yoon's first verdict coming from his botched martial law bid.
The first-instance sentencing for Yoon's insurrection charges was scheduled for Feb 19. The special counsel sought a death penalty for Yoon on the charges.
Yoon declared emergency martial law on the night of Dec 3 in 2024, but it was revoked hours later by the National Assembly.
The constitutional court upheld a motion to impeach Yoon in April 2025, officially removing him from office.
The ousted leader was indicted while in detention in January 2025 on charges of leading an insurrection, becoming the first sitting ROK president facing such prosecution.
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
ROK ex-president Yoon sentenced to 5 years in prison on arrest obstruction charges
