Qatar Halts Mediation Efforts Between Israel and Hamas, Expels Group from Doha

Qatar has decided to end its role as a mediator between Israel and Hamas after months of stalled negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release agreement, a diplomat familiar with the matter confirmed to The Times of Israel. The decision, made independently by Qatar, marks a significant shift in the Gulf state's diplomatic approach, particularly given its long-standing role in facilitating talks between the two sides.

On Saturday, Qatar officially confirmed the cessation of its mediation efforts but framed the decision as potentially reversible, depending on the willingness of both parties to re-engage in good faith negotiations. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry also took issue with media reports suggesting the country had closed the Hamas office in Doha, although it did not explicitly deny that such an action was taken. The diplomat revealed that Qatar had made this move due to the lack of progress in negotiations, which were increasingly viewed as being driven by political considerations rather than a genuine attempt to secure peace.

The Shift in Mediation

Qatar has hosted Hamas leaders in Doha since 2012, after the group moved its headquarters from Damascus amid the Syrian civil war. Over the years, Qatar has served as a key intermediary in various ceasefire agreements between Israel and Hamas, including securing a week-long deal last November. However, recent negotiations have stalled, with both Israel and Hamas accused of using talks for political optics rather than working toward a real resolution.

The diplomat explained that both Israel and Hamas had repeatedly backed out of commitments made during the negotiations. As the situation became more politicized, Qatar determined it could no longer serve as an effective mediator. "If both sides are not willing to negotiate seriously, there is no purpose for Qatar to continue hosting Hamas," the diplomat said.

US Influence and Qatar’s Decision

The United States played a role in Qatar’s decision to end its mediation efforts. A senior US official confirmed that Washington had informed Doha that Hamas’s presence in Qatar was no longer acceptable, particularly after the terror group rejected multiple ceasefire proposals and continued to hold hostages. The Biden administration had pressured Qatar to expel Hamas officials, marking a shift in US policy following the group’s refusal to make meaningful concessions.

The expulsion of Hamas from Qatar may also reflect broader regional dynamics, particularly as Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has faced increasing threats from Israel and others. The diplomat speculated that following Haniyeh’s recent assassination in Tehran, Hamas officials may relocate to Turkey, which could complicate Ankara's position, especially given the US’s stance on not allowing its allies to harbor the group.

The Road Ahead

While Qatar’s decision to stop mediating has been framed as reversible, the likelihood of resuming talks depends on whether both Israel and Hamas demonstrate a genuine desire for peace. Qatar’s involvement in future negotiations remains uncertain, though it has indicated that it will continue to push for humanitarian solutions in Gaza and work with other regional players, such as Egypt, who are maintaining contacts with Hamas.

Israel welcomed Qatar’s move, with an official from Netanyahu’s office stating that no country should harbor Hamas. The Israeli government sees Qatar’s decision as a step toward isolating the group and pressing it into making concessions. However, a senior Hamas official contradicted reports that they had been asked to leave, suggesting that no formal directive had been issued.

The US Perspective

From the US perspective, Qatar has been an invaluable mediator, but its continued relationship with Hamas became increasingly untenable after the group’s actions in Gaza. A US official noted that Hamas’s ongoing refusal to engage in meaningful peace talks was undermining the mediation efforts, and the expulsion of its leaders was seen as a necessary step to compel Hamas to alter its stance.

The Biden administration continues to explore other avenues for securing the release of hostages and ending the war in Gaza, including leveraging US sanctions and diplomatic pressure. The recent expulsion of Hamas from Qatar, along with other efforts, is part of a broader strategy aimed at bringing the group to the negotiating table.