Authorities assured that they will return when there is “necessary seriousness” / Photo: RTVE
Qatar confirmed this Saturday the suspension of its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas due to lack of progress in negotiations for a truce in the Gaza Strip, but assured that it will resume them when there is “the seriousness necessary to end the war.”
The spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, Majid al Ansari, also clarified that “the information circulating” about Qatar’s withdrawal from the negotiations or the closure of the Hamas political office in Doha “are not accurate.”
“Qatar notified the parties 10 days ago during recent attempts to reach an agreement that it would suspend its mediation efforts in the event that an agreement is not reached in that round and will resume them, together with its partners, when the information is available. seriousness necessary to end the brutal war,” Al Ansari said, according to the Qatari Foreign Ministry.
“The State of Qatar will then be at the forefront and will make all commendable efforts to end the war and return the hostages and prisoners,” he asserted.
Qatari diplomatic sources in Cairo had assured EFE that Doha has informed Israel and Hamas that it is withdrawing from the mediation work it has carried out for more than a year for a truce in Gaza.
They also assured that the Qatari authorities notified the Palestinian Islamist group that, due to the lack of progress and the stagnation of the dialogue, its office in Doha “no longer serves the purpose” for which it had been established.
The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman considered “the information related to the Hamas office in Doha to be inaccurate.”
“The main objective of the office’s presence in Qatar is to be a channel of communication between interested parties. This channel has previously achieved a ceasefire and contributed to maintaining a truce that led to the exchange of prisoners and hostages, women and children , in November last year,” Al Ansari said.
He was alluding to the only one-week truce achieved at the end of November 2023.
Negotiations have been stalled since last August due to mutual accusations between Israel and Hamas of hindering the achievement of an understanding.
Cairo / EFE
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What are the implications of Qatar’s suspension of mediation efforts for the future of peace talks between Israel and Hamas?
**Interview on Qatar’s Mediation Efforts in the Israel-Hamas Conflict**
*Host:* Welcome to today’s segment where we discuss the latest developments in international diplomacy. In the studio with us is Dr. Leila Hassan, a Middle East expert and a researcher focused on conflict resolution. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Hassan.
*Dr. Hassan:* Thank you for having me.
*Host:* Qatar has recently confirmed the suspension of its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of progress in negotiations for a truce. Can you shed more light on what this means for future peace talks?
*Dr. Hassan:* Absolutely. Qatar’s statement reflects a significant moment in the ongoing negotiations. The Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majid al Ansari, emphasized that they would return to mediation when there is “the seriousness necessary to end the war.” This indicates that while Qatar is stepping back for now, they are still committed to resuming their role once conditions improve and meaningful dialog can occur [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics/qatar-hamas-doha-us-request/index.html)].
*Host:* There were also reports that suggested Qatar might withdraw from negotiations entirely and close the Hamas political office in Doha. What’s the accuracy of those reports?
*Dr. Hassan:* Majid al Ansari clarified that such reports were “not accurate.” Qatar has not withdrawn from the negotiations entirely, nor has it closed the Hamas political office. This highlights Qatar’s unique position as a mediator that remains involved in the dialog, although they are waiting for a more conducive environment for negotiations before proceeding further [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics/qatar-hamas-doha-us-request/index.html)].
*Host:* So, what factors do you believe are contributing to the current stagnation in the negotiations?
*Dr. Hassan:* Several factors are at play. The complex nature of the conflict, ongoing military actions, and lack of mutual trust between the parties play significant roles. Moreover, external influences, such as pressure or the strategic interests of regional and global powers, can either facilitate or hinder negotiations. It’s a situation that requires careful, patient diplomacy [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics/qatar-hamas-doha-us-request/index.html)].
*Host:* How crucial do you think Qatar’s role is in this peace process moving forward?
*Dr. Hassan:* Qatar has played a pivotal role in mediating between various factions, including Palestine and Israel. Their unique relationships and neutrality position them well to facilitate dialog. As we’ve seen in past conflicts, having an intermediary that both sides can trust helps ease tensions and push for negotiations. Their commitment to return to talks shows their importance as a mediator in this context [[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/08/politics/qatar-hamas-doha-us-request/index.html)].
*Host:* Thank you, Dr. Hassan, for your insights. It will be essential to monitor how the situation develops and whether Qatar can successfully rekindle the peace talks in a meaningful way.
*Dr. Hassan:* Thank you for having me. It will indeed be crucial to watch for any changes in the situation.
*Host:* That concludes our interview segment for today. Stay tuned for further updates on international diplomacy and peace efforts in the region.