Doha: Qatar has decided to pause its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, demanding that both sides demonstrate “willingness and seriousness” to resume peace talks, according to a statement from its foreign ministry on Saturday.
The decision comes amid ongoing violence in Gaza, which has seen over 43,500 Palestinians killed since the war escalated in October 2023.
The Gulf nation, which has been working closely with the United States and Egypt to broker a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages, has faced challenges in advancing negotiations. Qatar’s latest move could complicate the already frail diplomatic efforts. The country had warned both parties that it would halt mediation if no agreement was reached during the last round of talks 10 days ago.
The Qatari government also responded to reports surrounding the future of Hamas’ political office in Doha, dismissing them as inaccurate. These reports suggested that the US had urged Qatar to expel Hamas, following the group’s rejection of a ceasefire proposal in mid-October.
Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs @majedalansari : Qatar’s efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel are currently stalled #MOFAQatar pic.twitter.com/pvHFKuxqA2
— Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Qatar (@MofaQatar_EN) November 9, 2024
While Qatar has not set a formal deadline for Hamas to leave, one official briefed on the matter suggested that the country has concluded that the political office no longer serves a meaningful purpose. This office has played a key role in facilitating communication between the warring sides, contributing to a brief ceasefire and the exchange of hostages in the past.
The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. Israel’s military response has devastated Gaza, leading to widespread casualties and destruction.
Hamas’ leadership in Doha has included prominent figures such as Khalil al-Hayya, who led ceasefire talks, and Khaled Meshaal, the group’s diplomatic face.
Despite Qatar’s strained relationship with Hamas’ political office, it remains unclear whether the hostilities between Hamas and Israel can be brought to an end without renewed mediation efforts.
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