Only a few weeks ago, President Donald Trump seemed confident a deal was days away that would end the fighting in Gaza, secure the release of hostages and allow aid to flow into an enclave where people are starving to death.

President Trump’s special envoy said that “we will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home,” though it was not clear that negotiations had halted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday his government was considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas after Israel and the U.S. recalled their negotiating teams, throwing the future of the negotiations into further uncertainty.

The U.S. has withdrawn from Doha ceasefire talks after Hamas' response showed a "lack of desire" for an agreement. Israel also pulled negotiators amid escalating demands.

Israel and the United States recalled their delegations from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on Thursday, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of failing to act in good faith in the talks.

In our news wrap Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu says he's considering "alternative options" to ceasefire talks with Hamas, European diplomats attempted to restart negotiations over limiting Iran's nuclear program and Ghislaine Maxwell wrapped up questioning as the Justice Department pushes back on criticism it's concealing aspects of Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with President Trump.

Welcome back to World Brief, where we’re looking at mounting pressure for an Israel-Hamas cease-fire deal, escalating border clashes between Thailand and Cambodia, and Iran holding nuclear talks with European powers.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government is considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas

Hamas has reportedly taken steps to fend off possible Israeli military plans aimed at rescuing the 50 remaining hostages in Gaza.