Qatar halts mediation efforts between Hamas, Israel, gives condition for resumption
Qatar has suspended its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, officials reported Saturday as the two sides failed to come to terms over their agreements.
However, the Gulf state says it may consider resuming its role if both sides demonstrate a “serious political willingness” to reach an agreement on the Gaza conflict, an Egyptian official involved in mediation noted.
After informing Israel, Hamas, and the United States of its decision, a diplomatic source indicated that Qatar no longer views the Hamas political office as necessary. A senior Hamas representative confirmed their awareness of Qatar’s decision but stated they had not been asked to leave.
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The development reflects Qatar’s increasing frustration with the stalled ceasefire negotiations. A U.S. senior administration official expressed disappointment over Hamas’s repeated rejection of hostage-release proposals, adding that leaders from Hamas should not find refuge in the capitals of U.S. allies, including Qatar.
On the same day, escalating violence in Gaza and Lebanon intensified. Three Israeli airstrikes in Gaza reportedly killed at least 16 people, including women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials.
An Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City’s Tufah neighborhood reportedly killed six, including two journalists, a pregnant woman, and a child. Israel’s military stated that the strike targeted a Palestinian Islamic Jihad militant.
In southern Lebanon, Israeli strikes continued, including one on the city of Tyre, where at least seven people were killed. Israel’s ongoing campaigns in Gaza and Lebanon show no signs of abating, despite rising casualties and international calls for de-escalation.
