Qatar has decided to pause its mediation efforts for a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza until both Israel and Hamas show genuine readiness to re-engage in talks, according to an insider briefed on the situation. This marks the most significant setback in truce efforts since the conflict began.
The Gulf state, a key broker alongside the U.S. and Egypt, has also determined that the Hamas political office in Doha no longer serves a strategic purpose. Although no specific deadline has been given for its closure, the move signals a blow to Hamas, already reeling from Israel’s targeted killings of its senior leaders.
Efforts to secure a truce have thus far been unsuccessful, with the last major attempt in October stalling after Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal. “Qatar has maintained that effective mediation is possible only if both sides exhibit a sincere interest in peace,” the source said.
Doha has informed Hamas, Israel, and U.S. officials that it is ready to return to the mediation table should the parties show renewed commitment. While there has been no comment from Hamas yet, a Palestinian official connected to the talks noted that formal communication from Qatar was pending.
In recent weeks, U.S. officials indicated that Hamas’ presence in Doha had become problematic after the group dismissed the latest ceasefire and hostage release plan. This led to a reassessment of Hamas’ standing in Qatar, which began in April and initially saw leaders relocating to Turkey, only for Washington and Israel to request their return to Doha for negotiations.
Qatar has hosted Hamas political figures since 2012 under an arrangement supported by the U.S., with the group’s senior members, including potential successors to the late Yahya Sinwar, residing in the capital.
