Qatar clarifies Gaza ceasefire mediation efforts 'temporarily' stalled

FM clarifies its mediation efforts will resume when both parties show “willingness and seriousness” to negotiate

Qatar has calrified that it is withdrawing from its role in mediating a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel in Gaza,  responding to several media reports.

The country’s Foreign Ministry clarified that its mediation efforts are only stalled temporarily and will resume when both parties show “willingness and seriousness” to negotiate an end to the ongoing conflict.

In a statement on November 9, 2024, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry spokesman, Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, refuted claims that Doha had completely withdrawn from the mediation process, which has been ongoing for several months.

The statement clarified that Qatar had informed both Hamas and Israel 10 days ago that it would pause its efforts if no agreement was reached during the latest round of talks.

Qatar emphasized that it would resume its diplomatic efforts when the involved parties are ready to engage constructively.

Al-Ansari also addressed reports suggesting that Qatar would close Hamas’ political office in Doha, calling them inaccurate.

He explained that the office serves as a communication channel between Hamas and other stakeholders, contributing to past ceasefire deals, including one last year.

The spokesman also expressed frustration over what he described as manipulative tactics by both sides, where agreements reached through Qatar's mediation have been reneged upon, leading to prolonged suffering.

Despite Qatar’s clarification, recent reports have suggested that Qatar might be reconsidering its hosting of Hamas officials in Doha.

The US has reportedly urged Qatar to expel Hamas leaders following the failure of a ceasefire proposal in mid-October.

However, there is no official confirmation from Qatar regarding a deadline for the closure of Hamas' office or for the departure of Hamas officials.

It is also unclear how many Hamas leaders remain in Doha, but figures like Khalil al-Hayya, a deputy of the slain Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, and Khaled Meshaal, the group’s former political chief, are believed to be based there.

Qatar has hosted Hamas leaders since 2012 as part of an arrangement that also involves the United States. This strategic positioning has made Qatar a key intermediary in peace talks between Israel and Hamas, although those efforts have so far failed to yield a lasting ceasefire.

The country has also played a role in broader regional diplomacy, including hosting the Taliban and facilitating prisoner exchanges between the US and Iran.

The situation in Gaza has deteriorated since the October 7, 2023 attack.

International efforts, including those led by Qatar, the US and Egypt, have struggled to mediate a ceasefire or facilitate the return of hostages.

Talks have been further complicated by disagreements over Hamas’ long-term role in Gaza and Israel’s military presence in the region.

Recently, Israeli forces conducted a pre-dawn attack on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza, killing at least 33 people, including 13 children.

The UNRWA warned of worsening famine in northern Gaza as a doctor reported alarming cases of malnutrition among both children and adults.

The ongoing violence has claimed the lives of at least 43,603 Palestinians and wounded over 102,000 since October 7, 2023. In Israel, 1,139 people died in the initial Hamas-led attack, with over 200 taken hostage.

In Lebanon, Israeli attacks have resulted in at least 3,136 deaths and 13,979 injuries since the Gaza war began.

With diplomatic efforts currently at an impasse, the future of peace negotiations remains uncertain.