Al Qahera said the Israeli delegation left one day after prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu recalled the negotiating team for consultations.

Close Israeli ally the US also recalled its delegation from the talks for consultations yesterday, with US envoy Steve Witkoff accusing Hamas of failing to act in good faith in the talks.

Hamas said it was surprised by Witkoff’s remarks, adding that the group’s position had been welcomed by mediators and had opened the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

Both sides face mounting pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of shattering war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating sharply amidst acute hunger that has shocked the world, and Israelis worried about the conditions in which hostages are held.