Qatar has announced that it will no longer host Hamas’s political office unless the militant group engages in constructive talks with Israel regarding a ceasefire. The Gulf nation will halt its mediation efforts until both sides demonstrate a genuine willingness to negotiate for peace and alleviate the suffering of civilians.
A diplomatic source revealed that the Hamas political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose.” Since the conflict erupted last October, following Hamas’s attacks on Israel, Qatar has acted as a mediator, facilitating discussions that previously led to a temporary ceasefire and the release of some hostages.
The decision comes after frustrations over both sides repeatedly refusing to engage in meaningful negotiations, insisting instead on their own terms. The source noted that current mediation efforts have shifted focus to political posturing rather than genuine peace efforts.
Despite these developments, Hamas has rejected claims it is moving away from Qatar, describing such assertions as “baseless.” Ghazi Hamad, a Hamas political bureau official, affirmed that the relationship between Hamas and Qatar is strong, rooted in mutual respect and cooperation to support the Palestinian cause.
As the violence continues, the humanitarian toll is severe. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll among Palestinians has risen to 43,552 since the fighting began. Following the October 7 attack on Israel, Hamas took approximately 250 hostages, with over 90 still held in Gaza.
Credit: Sky News
