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    West Asia

    Qatar quits as mediator, expels Hamas from Doha

    European Newsdesk Posted on

    Qatar has withdrawn as a mediator in ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Israel and Hamas, according to a diplomatic source cited by CBS, a partner of the BBC in the US.

    This decision follows reports that senior US officials informed Qatar that Washington would no longer tolerate the presence of Hamas representatives in the Gulf state, accusing the group of rejecting new proposals to end the conflict in Gaza.

    The diplomatic source noted that Hamas’s political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose” due to the group’s “refusal to negotiate in good faith.” However, Qatar remains open to resuming its mediation role if both Israel and Hamas demonstrate a genuine willingness to negotiate.

    Hamas has maintained a base in Doha since 2012, reportedly at the request of the Obama administration. According to US officials speaking anonymously to Reuters, the Qatari government agreed to shut down Hamas’s political office roughly 10 days ago. Hamas officials have denied these claims.

    Qatar, a significant US ally, hosts a major American airbase and has played a pivotal role in delicate diplomatic efforts with entities like Iran, the Taliban, and Russia. Alongside the US and Egypt, Qatar has been a key player in attempts to mediate a ceasefire in the prolonged Israel-Hamas conflict, although these efforts have yet to succeed.

    Signs of a changing dynamic have emerged. After the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas held a small, low-profile mourning ceremony in Doha, contrasting with a more prominent, state-overseen event for Ismail Haniyeh held earlier.

    Mid-October talks failed to yield progress, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal and demanding a full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has faced accusations of rejecting peace proposals, with former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant alleging that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ignored advice from security officials to pursue a peace deal.

    The Biden administration appears to be pushing for a peace agreement before its term ends in January, seeking to pressure Hamas by urging Qatar to expel its political office. If forced to relocate, potential destinations for Hamas include Iran or Turkey, although these options pose risks and limitations in terms of diplomatic reach and security from Israeli assassination attempts.

    US frustration with Israel’s handling of the conflict has grown, with recent warnings that Israel may face consequences if it fails to improve humanitarian conditions in Gaza. However, the strained relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu, coupled with the possibility of a Trump presidency, suggests limited US influence over Israel’s actions in the near future.

    Ultimately, the success of US and Qatari efforts may hinge on whether both parties to the conflict demonstrate genuine commitment to a negotiated resolution.

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