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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How might Qatar’s suspension of mediation impact the humanitarian situation in Gaza?
**Interview: Qatar’s Suspension of Mediation Efforts in Israel-Hamas Talks**
**Host:** Welcome to the programme. Today we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Sarah Khalid, a Middle Eastern geopolitical analyst, to discuss Qatar’s recent decision to suspend its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Khalid.
**Dr. Khalid:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Qatar has announced the suspension of its mediation efforts due to a lack of progress in reaching a truce. Can you explain what led to this crucial decision?
**Dr. Khalid:** Absolutely. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Majid al Ansari, indicated that the decision was made as negotiations had not shown sufficient progress. The Qatari authorities believe that mediation can only be effective when there is a genuine commitment from both sides to reach an agreement. The phrase “the necessary seriousness to end the war” highlights their desire for a more dedicated approach from both Israel and Hamas regarding a potential truce[[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/middleeast/qatar-mediation-israel-hamas-intl/index.html)].
**Host:** It seems Qatar still intends to play a role in the future. Is that correct?
**Dr. Khalid:** Yes, that’s right. Qatar has clarified that it is not completely retracting from the negotiations. They aim to return to mediation once there is a constructive atmosphere conducive to serious discussions. It’s important to note that misinformation has circulated regarding Qatar’s complete withdrawal or the closure of the Hamas political office in Doha, which al Ansari has categorically denied[[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/middleeast/qatar-mediation-israel-hamas-intl/index.html)].
**Host:** Given the ongoing conflict and humanitarian concerns, how do you see this suspension affecting the situation in the Gaza Strip?
**Dr. Khalid:** The suspension certainly raises concerns, as it may prolong the violence and suffering experienced by civilians in Gaza. Mediation efforts are critical in managing the humanitarian situation, and any halt might hinder the possibility of immediate aid discussions or ceasefires. However, if Qatar’s involvement resumes with renewed vigor when there is seriousness from the parties involved, there could still be a pathway to peace[[1](https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/middleeast/qatar-mediation-israel-hamas-intl/index.html)].
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. Khalid, for your insights on this complex situation. It will be interesting to see how the dynamics evolve in the coming weeks.
**Dr. Khalid:** Thank you for having me.