Qatar Suspends Ceasefire Mediation in Gaza War

(Doha) – Qatar has informed both Israel and Hamas that it will suspend its efforts to broker a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza until both sides demonstrate a clear commitment to negotiating. According to Qatar’s foreign ministry on Saturday, the Gulf nation will resume its role if and when the warring parties show “willingness and seriousness” to end the conflict.

Qatar has spent months working with the United States and Egypt to mediate between the two sides. With its recent decision to pause efforts, the path to peace could face additional delays. The country’s foreign ministry has also dismissed reports regarding the future of Hamas’ political office in Doha. Earlier reports quoted a U.S. official saying Washington had requested Qatar to expel the group, which Qatar had reportedly passed along to Hamas, though Doha has not confirmed this.

An unnamed official familiar with the situation said that Qatar has concluded that the presence of Hamas’ political leaders in Doha no longer aids its mediation efforts. However, several Hamas officials, speaking anonymously, have stated that they have not been informed by Qatari authorities about any changes regarding their residency in Qatar.

Since 2012, Hamas has maintained a political office in Doha, where its leaders have facilitated talks with Israel and other parties. The situation has escalated significantly since Hamas’ attack on Israeli communities on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the capture of 253 hostages. Israel’s military response has caused extensive destruction in Gaza, with over 43,500 Palestinian casualties.

In an attempt to push for peace, Qatar reportedly informed both Hamas and Israel 10 days ago that it would pause its mediation role if the sides could not reach an agreement. “Qatar will resume those efforts with its partners when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war,” the foreign ministry stated. Neither Israel nor Hamas has issued an official response.

In October, a round of discussions failed to reach any resolution, with Hamas rejecting a temporary ceasefire proposal. Israel has previously rejected other ceasefire suggestions, citing concerns about Hamas’ presence in Gaza and its long-term future in the region.

HAMAS IN QATAR

A U.S. official disclosed on Friday that Washington had informed Qatar of its concerns over Hamas’ continued presence in Doha following the group’s rejection of October’s ceasefire proposal. Qatar has yet to specify a deadline for Hamas leaders to exit or cease operations within the country.

In a recent statement, Qatar’s foreign ministry highlighted the importance of the Hamas office, which has served as a communication channel in negotiations, including a brief ceasefire and hostage exchange in the previous year. Earlier this year, in April, Qatar had reconsidered Hamas’ presence, resulting in some Hamas officials temporarily relocating to Turkey. However, the U.S. and Israel later requested Qatar to facilitate their return, arguing that Turkey-based leaders made negotiations more challenging.

Qatar’s position as a mediator in the Middle East has led to its designation as a major non-NATO ally by the U.S., a role it has leveraged by hosting adversarial groups, including Hamas and Afghanistan’s Taliban, as well as assisting in negotiations for prisoner exchanges, such as last year’s U.S.-Iran deal.

Several Hamas leaders, including those positioned to succeed their late leader Yahya Sinwar—who was killed by Israeli forces last month—currently reside in Doha. These include Sinwar’s deputy Khalil al-Hayya, known for his role in ceasefire talks, and Khaled Meshaal, who represents Hamas diplomatically. Former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, assassinated in Iran in July, was also based in Doha, with his body brought to Qatar for burial.