Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirms this late on Saturday evening, but at the same time emphasizes that it will resume mediation in ceasefire talks when the parties show that they seriously want to end “this brutal war”.
– The Qataris have informed both the Israelis and Hamas that as long as there is a refusal to negotiate an agreement in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate, an unnamed source told international news agencies earlier that day.
– As a consequence, Hamas’ political office no longer serves its purpose, added the source.
Qatar’s foreign ministry says the reports about Hamas’ political office in Doha are inaccurate.
Unsuccessful mediation
The political leadership of the militant Palestinian Hamas movement has been based in Qatar’s capital Doha since 2012, as part of an agreement with the United States, which counts Qatar as an important ally.
An unnamed official told the Reuters news agency that Qatar is withdrawing from the talks until Hamas and Israel “demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table.” The AP news agency also quotes officials as saying that Qatar is temporarily withdrawing as a mediator.
The Gulf state of Qatar, together with the United States and Egypt, has been mediating for months in fruitless negotiations to establish a ceasefire in Gaza.
Supposedly asked Hamas to leave
Earlier on Saturday, several other media, including Reuters, also wrote that Qatar, under pressure from the United States, should have asked Hamas’s people to leave the country.
A senior Hamas source tells AFP that the group has not received any hints from Qatar that they must leave the country.
– We have nothing to confirm or deny what was published by an unidentified diplomatic source, and we have not received a request to leave Qatar, says the unnamed Hamas official on Saturday evening.
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**Interview with Dr. Samira Al-Fahd, Middle East Affairs Analyst**
**Editor:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Al-Fahd. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced late Saturday that it plans to resume mediation in the ceasefire talks. Can you shed some light on the significance of this development?
**Dr. Al-Fahd:** Thank you for having me. The confirmation from Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is significant because it indicates Qatar’s ongoing commitment to facilitating peace talks in a highly complex conflict. Their role as a mediator has been crucial in the past, and their willingness to resume talks highlights the importance of international diplomacy in resolving such crises.
**Editor:** The statement emphasized that mediation will only continue when the parties involved show a serious desire to end the conflict. What does this imply about the current situation on the ground?
**Dr. Al-Fahd:** This implies a critical juncture in the conflict. For Qatar to invest their diplomatic efforts again, there needs to be genuine willingness from both sides to engage in dialogue. It suggests that previous attempts at mediation may have faltered due to a lack of commitment from the involved parties. The phrase “brutal war” indicates a serious humanitarian crisis that might be pushing for renewed urgency in finding a resolution.
**Editor:** From a strategic standpoint, how could Qatar’s involvement influence the outcome of the negotiations?
**Dr. Al-Fahd:** Qatar has established itself as a neutral mediator in various regional conflicts. Their unique relationship with multiple stakeholders allows them to facilitate a dialogue that might not be possible through other channels. If they can effectively leverage their influence, it may encourage both parties to come to the table with a more conciliatory approach, ultimately fostering a path toward peace.
**Editor:** What challenges might Qatar face as it tries to resume these mediations?
**Dr. Al-Fahd:** Qatar will likely face significant challenges, including skepticism from both sides due to previous failed negotiations. Additionally, external actors—regional players and global powers—may have competing interests that complicate mediation efforts. Balancing these relationships while promoting genuine dialogue will be a tall order for Qatar.
**Editor:** Thank you, Dr. Al-Fahd, for your insightful perspectives on this evolving situation. As developments continue to unfold, we look forward to your expertise on future updates.
**Dr. Al-Fahd:** Thank you for having me. I hope for a peaceful resolution soon.
