Qatar Halts Gaza Mediation Until 'Sincere Willingness' Emerges

Qatar has decided to halt its mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, seeking sincere commitments to negotiations from Hamas and Israel. The Gulf state concludes that Hamas' political presence in Doha is redundant. Recent talks mediated by Qatar, the U.S., and Egypt failed, escalating tensions further.

In a significant blow to truce efforts, Qatar has decided to cease mediating a Gaza ceasefire until both Hamas and Israel demonstrate sincere willingness to negotiate, according to an official briefed on the situation.

Throughout the conflict, Qatar, the United States, and Egypt have played pivotal roles in attempting to broker peace, yet the latest talks in mid-October failed to secure an agreement, with Hamas dismissing a short-term ceasefire proposal.

Recent tensions have prompted Washington to communicate that Hamas' operational presence in Doha has become untenable, urging Qatar to reconsider its support for the Palestinian militant entity.

(With inputs from agencies.)