Qatar has suspended its efforts to mediate a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip until Hamas and Israel show “willingness and seriousness” to resume talks, according to the country’s foreign ministry.
The decision comes as tensions between the two sides remain high, with discussions on a long-term ceasefire proposal stalled. The Qatari government had been working alongside the US and Egypt to facilitate talks, but an agreement has yet to be reached.
Hamas’ presence in Qatar has facilitated the progress of talks, with several group leaders including Khalil al-Hayya and Khaled Meshaal having served as ambassadors for the organization. However, following a US request, Qatar is now considering expelling Hamas from the country.
The war between Israel and Hamas erupted on October 7, resulting in significant loss of life and displacement of Palestinians. A ceasefire deal has yet to be reached, with disagreements centered around the long-term future of Hamas and Israel’s presence in Gaza.
Qatar had previously hosted Hamas leaders as part of a US-brokered deal, but it is now unclear how many officials remain in Doha. The country has a history of hosting adversaries, including Afghanistan’s Taliban and Iran’s proxy forces, and has sought to act as a link between Western powers and their regional counterparts.
The suspension of talks means that efforts to release hostages held by Hamas are also on hold, adding to the complexity of the situation in Gaza.
Source: https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/qatar-pull-out-gaza-ceasefire-mediation-source-says-2024-11-09