Qatar relinquishes role as mediator between Israel and Hamas

War in the Middle East

Qatar withdraws as mediator in the Gaza conflict

Qatar has long mediated in the Middle East conflict. Now the country no longer feels able to do this.

Qatar is withdrawing as a mediator from negotiations between Israel and the Islamist Palestinian organization Hamas over a ceasefire and the release of hostages.

The Qataris had “informed both the Israelis and Hamas that they cannot continue to mediate as long as there is a refusal to negotiate an agreement in good faith,” diplomatic circles said on Saturday. “As a result, the Hamas office no longer has a reason to exist,” it said, without providing further details as to whether the office in Doha would be closed.