Qatar confirms the suspension of mediation in Gaza and cites the lack of ‘seriousness’ by Israel and Hamas

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry confirmed on Saturday (Nov 9) that the country has suspended its role as a key mediator between Israel and Hamas. Citing a lack of “seriousness” from both sides to reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, Qatar said it had warned both Israel and Hamas “10 days ago.”

According to Qatari Foreign Ministry Spokesman Majed Al Ansari, “Qatar informed the parties 10 days ago, during the latest efforts to reach an agreement, that it was continuing its efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel would strike if no agreement was reached in that round.” .

This decision to withdraw follows months of stagnant diplomacy, brokered with support from Cairo and Washington, and the collapse of a temporary ceasefire reached in November 2023.

Majed Al Ansari said: “Qatar would resume these efforts… when the parties show their willingness and seriousness.”

Speaking to AFP, an unnamed diplomatic source revealed on Saturday that “the Qataris have 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”.

With ceasefire negotiations in Gaza at a standstill, Hamas’s political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose,” the diplomatic source said. However, despite the diplomatic withdrawal, Hamas’s political office in Doha remains open as Qatari and US officials said its presence in Qatar provides a potential communication channel. No requests have been made for Hamas’ departure from Qatar, a senior official of the group said.

Meanwhile, the families of hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza held a meeting on Saturday, urging an immediate hostage deal and expressing frustration over Qatar’s withdrawal as a mediator.

In Gaza, the conflict has entered its 400th day. The conflict, characterized by ongoing violence and a deepening humanitarian crisis, has already claimed more than 43,500 lives, mostly civilians, according to data from the Ministry of Health in Gaza. In addition, more than 1,200 Israeli casualties were reported in the first Hamas attack.

Meanwhile, a UN-backed report from the Famine Review Committee has warned that famine is looming in northern Gaza due to food shortages and escalating hostilities, a claim Israel disputes as based on “biased data.”

(With input from agencies)