“Both the Israelis and Hamas have been informed that they cannot continue to mediate as long as there is a refusal to negotiate an agreement in good faith,” diplomatic circles said on Saturday.
“As a result, the Hamas office no longer has a reason to exist,” it said, without providing further details as to whether the office in Doha would be closed. Another translation by the Reuters news agency said that the Hamas office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose.”
It also said the Qataris had communicated to the US government their willingness to resume mediation if both sides “show a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table.”
The Palestinian terrorist organization denied media reports that its representatives had been asked by Qatar to leave the Gulf emirate. Members of Hamas in Doha told the German Press Agency on Saturday that they had not received such a message. Media such as the “Times of Israel” and the “Financial Times” had previously reported, citing informed people, that Qatar had asked Hamas to leave the country around ten days ago at the urgent request of the USA. Hamas representatives also denied reports that Qatar was withdrawing from its role as mediator. No such information was received from the Qatari government.
Together with the USA and Egypt, Qatar had been mediating between Israel and Hamas since a single ceasefire in November last year. This lasted a week and enabled the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip in exchange for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli custody.
Negotiations without results
Since then there have been numerous rounds of negotiations, but no result has been achieved. Hamas and Israel accuse each other of blocking an agreement.
The war in the Gaza Strip was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented major attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Around 1,200 people were killed in the attack and around 250 others were taken hostage to Gaza. Israel then launched a massive military operation in the Gaza Strip, with more than 43,000 dead and more than 100,000 wounded so far.
Hamas representatives expelled from the country
Media reports had previously said that Qatar had asked Hamas representatives to leave the country. The call was made around ten days ago at the urgent request of the USA, as reported by the “Times of Israel” and the “Financial Times”, among others. Hamas has maintained a political office in the Qatari capital Doha since 2012, following a request from the United States to maintain a communications channel with the terrorist organization.
“Hamas is a terrorist group that has killed Americans and continues to hold Americans hostage. After repeatedly rejecting proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer welcome American partners in capitals,” a senior U.S. government official said Inquiry from the German Press Agency (dpa).
Contributing to the latest US decision were, among other things, the execution of American-Israeli citizen Hersh Goldberg-Polin and five other hostages by Hamas at the end of August, as well as the rejection of recent proposals for a ceasefire in the Gaza war, a US official said. Times of Israel”.
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**Interview with Dr. Sara El-Amin, Middle East Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. El-Amin. The recent developments involving Qatar and Hamas are significant. What do you make of Qatar’s warning to Hamas leaders that they are unwelcome in the country?
**Dr. El-Amin:** Thank you for having me. Qatar’s warning represents a substantial shift in its position. Historically, Qatar has been a key mediator between Hamas and Israel, and by communicating that their office “no longer serves its purpose,” it signals that they are serious about facilitating a resolution rather than simply mediating without progress.
**Interviewer:** How might this impact the ongoing conflict in Gaza and the fragile negotiations that have been happening?
**Dr. El-Amin:** This could either escalate tensions or create a window for genuine negotiations. Qatar’s willingness to resume mediation hinges on both sides showing a sincere willingness to engage. If Hamas feels pressured to leave Doha, it may harden their stance. Conversely, if this pushes them toward negotiations to regain their foothold in Qatar, it could open avenues for peace talks.
**Interviewer:** Reports indicate that Hamas has denied being asked to leave by Qatar. What do you think this says about their internal dynamics?
**Dr. El-Amin:** It suggests a level of defiance, but also perhaps a reflection of their strategies. Denying these reports could be a way to maintain their image of strength and autonomy, especially given the context of their ongoing conflict with Israel. They might not want to appear weakened or reliant on external factors.
**Interviewer:** With the U.S. also pressuring Qatar, what implications do you foresee for U.S.-Hamas relations, especially in light of the hostages issue?
**Dr. El-Amin:** The U.S. position is increasingly tough on Hamas, especially given their role in holding Americans hostage. If Qatar aligns more closely with U.S. interests, it could lead to a more robust effort to contain Hamas. This could further isolate Hamas and possibly compel them to adopt a more conciliatory approach in hopes of negotiating better terms for their survival and to protect their interests.
**Interviewer:** Given the high casualties in the Gaza conflict, what are your thoughts on the humanitarian situation and its potential influence on future negotiations?
**Dr. El-Amin:** The humanitarian situation is dire, with thousands of casualties and a significant amount of displacement. This suffering could galvanize international opinion and pressure both parties into making concessions. Ultimately, the human cost may force leaders to reconsider their approaches to negotiations, emphasizing the need for immediate ceasefires and humanitarian aid.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. El-Amin, for shedding light on these complex issues. Your insights are invaluable as we navigate these challenging times.
**Dr. El-Amin:** Thank you for having me. It’s a critical moment, and I hope for a resolution that prioritizes human life on all sides.
