Qatar Decides To Halt Mediation In Hamas-Israel Conflict, Questions 'Political Willingness' For Resolution: Report

The source revealed that Israel, Hamas, and the United States were informed about the mediation. And, noted that “the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose” in Qatar as a result.

Qatar has chosen to halt its primary mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, officials confirmed on Saturday. However, Qatar is expected to resume its role if both sides demonstrate “serious political willingness” to negotiate a resolution to the Gaza conflict, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.

A diplomatic source with knowledge of the decision revealed to the Associated Press that Israel, Hamas, and the United States were informed. The AP source also noted that “the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose” in Qatar as a result.

A senior Hamas official acknowledged Qatar’s suspension of mediation efforts, stating, “But no one asked us to leave.” Qatar’s decision follows mounting frustration over the lack of progress toward a cease-fire.

“After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, (Hamas) leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner. We made that clear to Qatar following Hamas’ rejection weeks ago of another hostage release proposal,” the Associated Press quoted a U.S. senior administration official as saying.

All officials spoke anonymously due to the sensitive nature of the situation. The Israeli prime minister’s office declined to comment.

Three Separate Israeli Airstrikes In Gaza Kill 16 People

In parallel, three separate Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including women and children, according to Palestinian medical officials. Israel also announced the first humanitarian aid delivery in weeks to northern Gaza, which has been severely affected by the conflict.

Israel’s campaigns against Hamas militants in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon showed no signs of slowing. Overnight, Israel’s military targeted command centers and other militant sites in southern Beirut suburbs. An airstrike late Friday on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre resulted in at least seven deaths, according to officials and local residents.

In Gaza, an Israeli strike hit a school-turned-shelter in Gaza City’s eastern Tufah neighborhood, killing at least six people, including two journalists, a pregnant woman, and a child, as reported by Gaza’s Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed the strike targeted a militant from the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group but provided no further details.

Another Israeli airstrike struck a tent in Khan Younis where displaced people were sheltering, killing seven, including two women and a child, as reported by Nasser Hospital. Israel’s military has not yet commented.

Additionally, Palestinian medical officials reported an Israeli airstrike on tents in a courtyard of central Gaza’s main hospital, killing at least three and wounding a local journalist. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital in Deir al-Balah confirmed it was the eighth attack on the compound since March.