Israel-Hamas War: Qatar steps down as mediator

Last Updated on November 11, 2024 6:15 am

The Middle Eastern country of Qatar has announced that it will temporarily step down as a mediator in the ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

However, officials in the country said that if Israel and Hamas “show sincerity” regarding the ceasefire, they are willing to return to the role of mediator again.

Qatar also said that no decision has been made to remove Hamas’ office from Doha.

In a statement on Saturday, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that the country would no longer take on the role of mediator until “both sides express the importance and desire” to end the war in Gaza. The statement was published on the social media X.

The statement also said that Qatar informed both sides of this decision 10 days ago.

Qatar-based media outlet Al Jazeera reported that the Biden administration demanded the closure of Hamas’ office in Doha two weeks ago.

A decade ago, in 2012, Qatar allowed Hamas to open a political office in the capital Doha at the request of then-US President Barack Obama.

On Saturday, several media outlets reported that Qatar had agreed with the US to close the armed group’s political office in Doha for its refusal to sign a ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

Qatar’s announcement came at a time when senior US officials have accused the armed group Hamas of rejecting a new proposal to end the war in Gaza.

They also said that the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar would no longer be accepted after rejecting the proposal.

However, a statement sent by the Qatari Foreign Ministry said that the news of the closure of Hamas’ political office in Doha was “not correct.”

Hamas also said the same.

Qatar, a gas-rich country in the Middle East, is one of the most important allies of the US. It also hosts a large US air base there.

Qatar has also been seen playing a role in negotiations and dialogue on many important and delicate issues of world politics, including Iran, the Taliban, and Russia.

Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has been playing the role of a mediator in order to stop the year-long war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

Although Israel and Hamas have not yet agreed on a ceasefire despite lengthy negotiations.

Meanwhile, although the negotiations were not successful, some changes are being observed in the relationship between Qatar and Hamas.

The Palestinian armed group held a three-day mourning ceremony in Doha after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July.

However, after the recent assassination of another Hamas leader, Yahya Sinwar, it appears that they were only able to hold a two-hour mourning ceremony in a small hall in Doha.

Qatar has been holding talks with both sides on a ceasefire since the war between Israel and Hamas began late last year.

Qatar finally brought Israel and Hamas to the negotiating table in mid-October. But Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal.

As a result, Qatar’s long-standing efforts failed. However, the country said it would keep Hamas’ political office in Doha to ensure that the ceasefire talks do not completely collapse.