Qatar has reportedly withdrawn from its role as a mediator in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Israel and Hamas, according to diplomatic sources. The move comes after senior US officials indicated that Washington would no longer tolerate the presence of Hamas representatives in the Gulf state, accusing the Palestinian militant group of rejecting new peace proposals aimed at ending the war in Gaza.
Hamas, which has maintained a political office in Doha since 2012 at the request of the Obama administration, is said to have failed to negotiate in good faith, leading Qatar to reconsider its involvement in the talks. Diplomatic sources cited by AFP and Reuters suggested that Qatar would resume its mediation efforts if both Israel and Hamas demonstrate a genuine willingness to return to the negotiating table.
The US’s decision to distance itself from Hamas’s presence in Qatar marks a significant shift in diplomatic dynamics. In recent months, Qatar, along with the US and Egypt, played a central role in trying to broker a ceasefire in the year-long conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, frustrations have been mounting due to a series of failed talks and disagreements over the terms of a ceasefire.
Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal during the latest round of discussions in mid-October, insisting on a complete end to the war and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza. Israel, for its part, has also faced criticism for rejecting proposed peace deals, with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of ignoring advice from security officials on potential ceasefire agreements.
The US’s call for Hamas to be expelled from Qatar is seen by some as an attempt by the Biden administration to secure a peace deal before the president’s term ends in January. If Hamas were to be forced out of Doha, it is unclear where the group would relocate its political office. Iran could be an option, but tensions over the assassination of Hamas leaders in Tehran make it a less attractive choice. Another possible destination is Turkey, which has historically maintained ties with Hamas. Turkey’s position as a NATO member, coupled with its Sunni Muslim majority, could offer the group a safer base while still allowing diplomatic interactions with the West.
The pressure on Qatar and Hamas highlights the growing concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where conditions are worsening. UN officials recently warned that northern Gaza is facing an “apocalyptic” situation, with famine becoming a real possibility. The Biden administration has also expressed increasing frustration with Israel’s handling of the war and its reluctance to allow more humanitarian aid into Gaza.
This shift in Qatar’s mediation role underscores the complex and evolving nature of the Middle East peace efforts, as diplomatic alignments and pressures continue to change in response to the ongoing conflict.
