2024-11-09 19:56:00
Qatar‘s mediation efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip have stalled, according to the Qatari Foreign Ministry. However, the Gulf state’s efforts to broker a deal between Israel and the radical Islamic group Hamas could resume if “the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war,” the Qatari foreign ministry said on Saturday.
The authority thereby confirmed previous information from insiders that the country had withdrawn from the negotiations. “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. It is the worst setback to these efforts since the start of the war. Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing numerous people and kidnapping others hostage. Since then, Israel has taken military action against targets in the Gaza Strip.
“As a result, the Hamas office no longer has any right to exist,” diplomatic circles continued, 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.
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.
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. Amal Saeed, Middle East Politics Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us, Dr. Saeed. Let’s dive right in. Qatar has announced it won’t host Hamas’s political office unless ceasefire talks between the group and Israel improve. What does this signify for the ongoing conflict in Gaza?
**Dr. Saeed:** Thank you for having me. Qatar’s decision to withdraw its support for Hamas’s political office indicates a significant shift in its diplomatic stance. Until now, Qatar has positioned itself as a mediator in the Israeli-Hamas conflict, but with the recent escalation and failure to reach a ceasefire, their patience seems to have worn thin. This could affect Hamas’s operational capabilities and change the dynamics of support they receive from their traditional backers.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the potential implications for Hamas. Could this lead to a power vacuum, or do you think Hamas has other avenues for support?
**Dr. Saeed:** It’s possible that Hamas may seek support from other regional players. However, the relationships are complex. While Iran is a key ally, the levels of support vary greatly, and relying solely on them might not be sustainable. Moreover, if Qatar and other moderating influences step back, it could exacerbate tensions and lead to more erratic behavior from Hamas as they seek alternative resources.
**Interviewer:** The Qatari Foreign Ministry has emphasized the need for both sides to show “willingness and seriousness” for any mediation efforts to resume. How likely is that to happen amidst the current hostility?
**Dr. Saeed:** Unfortunately, the prospects for sincere negotiations seem bleak at this moment. The ongoing violence and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza complicate any willingness to return to the table. Often, it takes a significant shift in military dynamics or international pressure for parties to consider negotiations seriously.
**Interviewer:** There seem to be conflicting reports regarding whether Hamas representatives have been asked to leave Qatar. What does this say about the internal politics within Hamas and its relationship with Qatar?
**Dr. Saeed:** It highlights the precarious nature of their relationship. On one hand, Hamas needs Qatar for financial and political support; on the other, Qatar must balance its image and diplomatic relations with the West and neighboring nations. The fact that Hamas denies such reports indicates their desire to maintain a foothold in Qatar but also shows how fragile their bloc of support really is. The internal dynamics, combined with external pressures, create a volatile situation.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if Qatar is stepping back, what might be the alternative scenarios for diplomatic efforts in this conflict moving forward?
**Dr. Saeed:** If Qatar pulls away, we could see a realignment of regional powers taking on mediating roles. Egypt, which has historically been involved, might increase its involvement, possibly backed by other countries. Alternatively, if international powers push from behind the scenes, we could see a different approach altogether—one that may not favor Hamas’s demands. However, just as often in these types of conflicts, a shift in ground realities or a significant international event could precipitate new negotiations.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Saeed, for your insights on this complex and evolving situation.
**Dr. Saeed:** You’re welcome! It’s crucial to keep a close eye on these developments as they unfold.
