Qatar is stepping back from Israel-Hamas mediation role

Fiona MacDonald, Bloomberg News on Nov 9, 2024

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Qatar is stepping back from its efforts to mediate between Israel and Hamas in pursuit of a cease-fire in Gaza, according to a person briefed on the matter.

The move comes after both sides repeatedly refused to participate in talks in good faith, and didn’t show a willingness to engage constructively, said the person, who asked not to be identified discussing the decision.

Without a genuine interest in finding a resolution to the 13-month-old conflict in Gaza, Qatar assessed that it can no longer constructively contribute to the process. It didn’t rule out resuming its role as mediator should circumstances evolve.

The monthslong mediation efforts attempted by the Gulf state have become more about political optics orchestrated by each side at Qatar’s expense than an attempt to secure peace, the person said.

The person said Qatar notified Israel, Hamas and the U.S. administration of its decision and that none of the parties had advance notice.

The Hamas political office in Qatar no longer serves its purpose, the person added, without providing more detail.

Separately, a person within the U.S. administration said the presence of Hamas in Doha was no longer acceptable given its repeated refusal to release even a small number of the Israeli hostages still held in Gaza, including following recent meetings in Cairo.

Qatar played an invaluable role in helping to secure the release late last year of nearly 200 hostages taken during the Oct. 7, 2023, attacks on Israel by Hamas, the person said. Hundreds of Palestinian women and children held by Israel were also released at the time.

Hamas is considered a terrorist group by the U.S. and the European Union.