Israel and the United States on Thursday pulled their diplomats back from negotiating a cease-fire with Hamas, setting back a potential end to the War in Gaza that was believed to be a real possibility just weeks ago.

The United States has recalled its negotiators in Gaza hostage talks after the latest response from Hamas "clearly shows a lack of desire to reach a cease-fire," U.S. Mideast Special Envoy Steve Witkoff said Thursday.

Israel brought its delegation home from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on Thursday after Hamas delivered a new response to a proposal for a truce and hostages deal. The Israeli prime minister's office thanked mediators for their efforts and said the negotiators were returning home for "further consultations".