Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says his government was considering “alternative options” to ceasefire talks with Hamas after it and the U.S. recalled their negotiating teams.

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.

Cease-fire negotiations between Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. have broken down, with President Trump’s special envoy blaming Hamas for the impasse. Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is rapidly escalating.

( NewsNation) — The U.S. is withdrawing negotiators from efforts to reach a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.

Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is set to meet with Israeli and Qatari officials as the Trump administration works to secure a deal to end the war in Gaza.

Syria and Israel have agreed to a ceasefire, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack said on Friday. The deal was “embraced” by Turkey, Jordan and other neighboring countries, the ambassador, who also serves as the US special envoy to Syria, said in a post on X.

Overnight Friday and into Saturday, Israeli airstrikes and gunfire killed at least 42 people, the AP reported. Dozens were shot at waiting for aid trucks near the Zikim crossing, in northern Gaza. Israel's military said it fired warning shots to distance a crowd "in response to an immediate threat" and it was not aware of any casualties.

The U.S. has withdrawn from Doha ceasefire talks after Hamas' response showed a "lack of desire" for an agreement.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.