Qatar has pulled back as a key mediator for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal and warned Hamas that its Doha office “no longer serves its purpose”, a diplomatic source told AFP on Saturday. Qatar, along with the United Sates and Egypt, has been engaged in months of fruitless negotiations for a truce with a hostage and prisoner releases.
“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,” the source said on condition of anonymity. “As a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose,” the source said.
“The Qataris conveyed to the US administration that they would be ready to re-engage in mediation when both sides… demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table”.
Qatar, which is home to a major US military base, has hosted Hamas’ political leadership since 2012 with Washington’s blessing.
