Qatar announced on Saturday night that it has paused its efforts to mediate a cease-fire between Israel and Hamas, citing a deadlock in negotiations. Majed al-Ansari, a spokesman for the Qatari Foreign Ministry, indicated that Qatar would resume its mediation efforts when both parties demonstrate a willingness to end the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
Qatari officials have reportedly informed Hamas political leaders that they are no longer welcome in Qatar due to the stalled negotiations. This information was shared by U.S. and Israeli officials who spoke on condition of anonymity. Al-Ansari did not directly address the claims regarding Hamas's presence in Qatar but mentioned that the political office of Hamas in Doha no longer serves its intended purpose.
In the Foreign Ministry statement, al-Ansari described media reports about the Hamas office as "inaccurate," but did not specify which reports were disputed. He emphasized that the office's main goal is to facilitate communication between the involved parties and has previously contributed to achieving cease-fires.
It remains unclear whether Qatar will actually expel Hamas leaders from Doha or simply declare the office closed. Qatar's role as a mediator has given it significant influence, particularly as a liaison to Hamas, with which most Western nations lack formal ties. The recent threats from Qatar may aim to increase pressure on both Hamas and Israel to reach a compromise regarding a cease-fire and the release of hostages still held in Gaza.
Since 2012, Qatar has hosted Hamas’s exiled political leaders, positioning Doha as a crucial site for negotiations with Israel. Egypt also plays a significant mediating role in the conflict.
Hamas has maintained that it will only agree to release remaining hostages in exchange for a complete Israeli withdrawal from Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to continue military operations until Hamas is dismantled and has indicated that Israeli forces may need to maintain a presence in parts of Gaza during any cease-fire.
Netanyahu has frequently altered his conditions for negotiation, facing criticism from opponents who argue he prioritizes his political survival over the release of hostages. His hard-line coalition allies advocate for indefinite Israeli control in Gaza and have opposed earlier truce proposals.
For Hamas, being forced to leave Qatar, where many leaders have resided for years, would represent a significant setback. Since the conflict escalated last October, Israel has targeted numerous Hamas leaders, including the recent killing of Yahya Sinwar, a key figure in the group’s decision-making.
The Hamas office in Doha was established over a decade ago to facilitate negotiations, as the group is designated a terrorist organization by the United States and other countries. However, if the office fails to contribute to peace efforts, its continued existence may be called into question, according to a senior defense official from a country involved in mediating the conflict.
Pressure on Qatar to expel Hamas could have mixed consequences. While it might compel Hamas to adopt a more flexible stance in negotiations, it could also diminish Qatar's significance as a mediator if talks shift to another regional location.
In recent weeks, following the death of Sinwar, the Biden administration requested that Qatar remove Hamas from Doha. Growing frustration with Hamas has been evident, especially after the execution of American hostage Hersh Goldberg and others, leading U.S. officials to doubt Hamas's commitment to a cease-fire deal.
Additionally, following the unsealing of an indictment against Khaled Meshal, a Hamas leader in Doha, there have been increased calls from U.S. officials for Hamas to be expelled from Qatar.