Qatar has suspended its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel until the parties show “their willingness and seriousness” to end the war in Gaza. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesman Majed al-Ansari stated that Qatar had informed the relevant parties 10 days ago of its intentions.
However, al-Ansari clarified that reports regarding the Hamas political office in Doha were inaccurate, stating that the main goal of the office is to be a channel of communication between the concerned parties. A senior Hamas official acknowledged Qatar’s decision to suspend mediation efforts, but said no one had told them to leave.
The United States administration has informed Qatar that the continued operation of the Hamas office in Doha is no longer useful, and the Hamas delegation should be expelled. The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office did not comment on the matter. Qatar’s announcement comes after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a ceasefire deal, as the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza and the Israel-Hezbollah war in Lebanon continue with no end in sight.
