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 withdrawal as a mediator impact future negotiations in the region?
**Interview on Qatar’s Suspension of Mediation Efforts in the Israel-Hamas Conflict**
**Host:** Good evening, everyone. Today, we’re diving into the recent developments in the Israel-Hamas conflict, specifically regarding Qatar’s role as a mediator. Joining me is Dr. Nadia El-Sharif, an expert in Middle Eastern politics. Dr. El-Sharif, thank you for being here.
**Dr. El-Sharif:** Thank you for having me. It’s a crucial topic, especially given the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
**Host:** Absolutely. So, to start off, Qatar has officially suspended its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas due to a lack of progress in negotiations. Can you shed some light on what prompted this decision?
**Dr. El-Sharif:** Certainly. Qatar has been involved as a mediator for nearly two decades, leveraging its unique position as a host for Hamas leaders. However, as the situation escalates and the prospect of a truce remains elusive, officials, including spokesman Majid al Ansari, indicated that they need to see “the seriousness necessary to end the war” before resuming their efforts[[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33594/qatar-suspends-mediator-israel-hamas-gaza)]. This suggests a frustration not only with the ongoing violence but also with the perceived lack of commitment from both sides to engage in genuine dialog.
**Host:** That’s an important point. Al Ansari also clarified that there were inaccuracies circulating regarding Qatar’s withdrawal from negotiations and the status of Hamas’ political office in Doha. What does this signify about Qatar’s role moving forward?
**Dr. El-Sharif:** It highlights Qatar’s intention to maintain its influence and presence in regional politics, despite the suspension. By correcting these inaccuracies, Qatar is signaling that it still sees itself as a viable mediator and is not abandoning its role entirely. The emphasis on returning to mediation suggests that they are waiting for conditions that allow for productive negotiations, which could be crucial for a sustainable resolution[[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33594/qatar-suspends-mediator-israel-hamas-gaza)].
**Host:** With Qatar stepping back for now, what implications could this have on the broader conflict and other potential mediators?
**Dr. El-Sharif:** Qatar’s suspension could create a vacuum in mediation efforts, potentially allowing other players, such as Egypt or Turkey, to step in. However, they too might face similar challenges if the underlying issues remain unaddressed. Moreover, the dynamics of regional power can shift, affecting how various actors approach the conflict. It also raises questions about what new strategies can be employed to encourage serious negotiations among all parties involved.
**Host:** Indeed, it seems like a very complex situation. What do you foresee as the next steps in this ongoing crisis?
**Dr. El-Sharif:** The critical factor will be whether any of the parties involved show a willingness to engage constructively. There must be a recognition of the humanitarian needs and the urgency to find common ground. Without that, we’ll likely continue to see cycles of violence and failed peacemaking attempts[[1](https://www.npr.org/2024/11/09/g-s1-33594/qatar-suspends-mediator-israel-hamas-gaza)].
**Host:** Thank you, Dr. El-Sharif, for your insights on this pressing issue. It seems we will need to keep a close eye on how the situation develops.
**Dr. El-Sharif:** My pleasure. Thank you for addressing this important topic.
**Host:** And thank you to our audience for tuning in. Stay informed, and we’ll continue to provide updates on this situation.
