According to the official, Qatar has consistently expressed that its mediation can only be effective if both parties exhibit a sincere interest in reaching a deal.
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Qatar will step back from its mediation efforts to uphold the ceasefire in Gaza until “Hamas and Israel show a ‘sincere willingness’ to return to the negotiating table”, Reuters news agency reported on Saturday, citing an informed official.
According to Reuters, this is “the biggest setback to efforts to reach a truce since the war began.”
Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was visiting wounded, evacuated Gazans receiving treatment at a hospital in Doha, Qatar when he received the news of the killing of his children and grandchildren by an Israeli strike. pic.twitter.com/bjAvsCGn0Q
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) April 10, 2024
According to the official, Qatar has consistently expressed that its mediation can only be effective if both parties exhibit a sincere interest in reaching a deal.
“The Qataris have said since the start of the conflict that they can only mediate when both parties demonstrate a genuine interest in finding a resolution,” the official reportedly said.
The Palestinian Resistance Movement Hamas accepted a ceasefire proposal on Monday. However, Israel responded by outright rejecting any ceasefire and decided to bomb Rafah.
Mediated by Egypt and Qatar, the comprehensive ceasefire proposal was accepted by Hamas in full. US… pic.twitter.com/Nvh4ZNgSvY
— The Palestine Chronicle (@PalestineChron) May 9, 2024
The official told Reuters that Qatar has determined that Hamas’ political office in Doha “no longer serves its purpose”.
The report said that “Qatar has not set a deadline for Hamas’ political office to close or for Hamas leaders to leave Qatar and it was unclear if the move could be reversed.”
Meanwhile, a top Hamas official told Agence France-Presse that the movement had not been asked to leave Qatar or close its office in Doha.
Reuters reported that “there was no official response from Hamas” and cited a Palestinian official close to the mediation talks as saying that “Hamas may not comment unless it is informed officially by Qatar. So far it is media talk.”
This is a developing story ..
(The Palestine Chronicle)
Hamas Speaks of 'Propaganda War'
HAMAS (Hamas leader Mamhoud Mardawi to Quds Network):
“Regarding the circulating media reports about Qatar and Hamas’ office, this is a propaganda war and untrue, aimed at undermining the morale of the resistance.
“We are making every possible effort to stop acts of genocide, starvation, and displacement. However, the enemy has backtracked on the July 2 Agreement after it was reached with the knowledge and involvement of mediators. This agreement (still) represents an opportunity to end the war and addresses all its challenges.”
Qatar: Clarifying Our Position Regarding Gaza War Mediation
QATAR (Qatari Foreign Ministry):
Qatar’s efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel are currently on hold.
Reports circulating about Qatar’s withdrawal from mediation are inaccurate.
Qatar has notified the parties that it will resume its efforts with partners when there is seriousness necessary to end the war.
When we are serious about ending the war, we will be at the forefront of making every effort to end the war and return hostages and prisoners.
Qatar will not accept mediation as a reason for blackmailing it as we have seen manipulation by reneging on agreed commitments.
We have seen the continuation of negotiations used to justify the continuation of the war for narrow political purposes.
Reports regarding the closure of Hamas’s office in Doha are inaccurate.
The purpose of the Hamas office in Qatar is to serve as a channel of communication between the parties concerned.
The presence of the Hamas office in Doha achieved a ceasefire and contributed to maintaining the truce in earlier stages.
Affirm Qatar’s firm commitment to support the Palestinian people until they achieve all their rights.
المتحدث الرسمي لوزارة الخارجية @majedalansari : جهود قطر في الوساطة بين حماس وإسرائيل معلّقة في الوقت الحالي#الخارجية_القطرية pic.twitter.com/oEgsSk844C
— الخارجية القطرية (@MofaQatar_AR) November 9, 2024
Don’t want ceasefire. Hamas no matter the death ☠️ count of Palestine increase, win the battle you started