Qatar has chosen to end its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas amid a prolonged deadlock in negotiations for a Gaza ceasefire and a hostage release agreement, a diplomat familiar with the decision told The Times of Israel on Saturday.
The diplomat, who is not American, confirmed a recent U.S. disclosure that Doha instructed Hamas officials late last month to leave Qatar.
However, the diplomat denied that the decision was made due to a request from the Biden administration, stating that Qatar made the choice independently after assessing that mediation efforts could not continue if neither party was willing to negotiate in good faith. Without a mediation role, Qatar no longer saw reason to host Hamas officials.
The diplomat expressed frustration that the stalled negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release had shifted from genuine peace efforts to “politics and elections” for both Israel and Hamas. Both sides, the diplomat claimed, had retreated from prior commitments and appeared to use the talks primarily for “political optics.”
Earlier this week, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant suggested to families of hostages held in Gaza that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may be prolonging the conflict for political purposes rather than security concerns, impacting prospects for a ceasefire and hostage release.
According to the diplomat, Qatar first notified the other mediators—the U.S. and Egypt—of its decision to step back and remove Hamas officials. Israel and Hamas were informed at the end of October.
