Qatar Withdraws from Mediation Role in Israel-Hamas Ceasefire Negotiations
Qatar has formally stepped down from its role as a key mediator in ceasefire and prisoner exchange talks between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of genuine engagement in negotiations from both sides. According to an unnamed diplomatic source who spoke to AFP, Qatar's decision was communicated directly to both Israeli and Hamas representatives.
Qatar had collaborated with the United States and Egypt in ongoing efforts to negotiate a truce, aiming to secure the release of prisoners held by both Israel and Hamas. However, progress stalled, leading Qatar to conclude that neither party was approaching negotiations in good faith. "The Qataris informed both the Israelis and Hamas that as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate," stated the source. Subsequently, Qatar indicated to Hamas that its political office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose," highlighting Qatar's decision to step back until genuine commitment to negotiation is demonstrated.
Despite the withdrawal, a senior Hamas official confirmed to Russia's Ria Novosti that no formal request had been received from Qatar’s government for Hamas to vacate its political office in Doha. “We have nothing to confirm or deny regarding what was published by an unidentified diplomatic source,” the official added.
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In a related context, Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani recently addressed the ongoing conflict, accusing Israel of expanding aggression across the region. In an October address, he claimed that “pre-existing plans” were driving Israeli actions in Lebanon and the occupied West Bank, suggesting that broader ambitions were underlying the recent escalations.
Hamas leadership has echoed Qatar's concerns, with Hamas political bureau member Izzat al-Rishq accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of prolonging the conflict in Gaza to buy time, rather than genuinely negotiating. Al-Rishq noted that recent Israeli ceasefire proposals are “for throwing dust in the eyes,” as they fail to include conditions for halting aggression, withdrawing forces, or enabling displaced individuals to return