Bishara Bahbah Resigns as Trump’s Gaza Negotiator, Cites Netanyahu and US for Undermining Ceasefire Talks
Washington (Quds News Network)- Bishara Bahbah, a key US mediator in the Israel-Hamas ceasefire talks, has resigned from the American negotiation team, reported Israeli channel 12. He says Israel and the US ended the talks too soon, even though Hamas was close to agreeing to the deal’s terms.
Bahbah played a vital role in securing the release of Israeli soldier prisoner Edan Alexander. He also led the “Arab Americans for Trump” campaign, which helped Trump win important swing states in the 2020 election.
Though not officially part of the negotiation team, Bahbah was a central figure in the talks. He expressed deep frustration and anger after the last round collapsed.
Bahbah stated that Steve Witkoff, the US special envoy to the Middle East, ignored progress made with Hamas. Instead, Witkoff followed the hardline approach of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Bahbah says this choice destroyed the chances for a ceasefire.
Bahbah announced he will no longer work with the US team. However, he plans to continue his mediation efforts independently. “I can achieve more with Hamas if I work freely,” he said.
Some other mediators and members of the Israeli team believe Israel left the talks too early. They argue that the gaps in agreement were small and could have been bridged.
Israeli Channel 12 first reported Bahbah’s resignation and his claims. His close ties to Trump and role in mediation give weight to his words.
The collapse of the talks raises fears of Israel’s real intentions in Gaza as Israeli officials clearly state that they aim to empty the strip of its over 2 million people.
