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.

Both Israel and Hamas are facing pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday said Palestinian militant group Hamas did not want to make a deal on a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. Trump made the comments to reporters at the White House one day after his Middle East peace envoy,