Qatar denies withdrawal from Gaza peace efforts

Qatar has rejected reports that it has abandoned its role as mediator in the Gaza conflict, saying instead that peace efforts have been temporarily paused.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari said mediation attempts were suspended ten days ago after the latest round of negotiations failed to reach an agreement between Hamas and Israel.

“Qatar will resume its diplomatic efforts when both parties demonstrate genuine willingness to end the ongoing civilian suffering,” Mr Al-Ansari told reporters in Doha.

He dismissed suggestions that Hamas’s political office in Qatar would close, describing it as an essential “channel of communication” that had previously helped secure a ceasefire.

The spokesman expressed frustration at what he called “manipulative tactics” since the November truce, including parties backing away from agreed commitments and using negotiations to justify continued military action.

His comments follow media reports that Qatar had ended its mediation role and asked Hamas leaders to leave the country – claims Mr Al-Ansari labelled “inaccurate”.

Qatar, working with the US and Egypt, has been a key mediator since the conflict began on 7 October when Hamas attacked Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking around 250 hostages.

Israel’s subsequent military campaign in Gaza has resulted in more than 43,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Palestinian health authorities.

Recent diplomatic efforts, including US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s regional tour in late October, have failed to secure a breakthrough.

Qatar has previously helped broker temporary ceasefires and hostage releases in the conflict, which is now in its seventh month.

Qatar’s strong denial of withdrawing from peace efforts highlights its determination to maintain its role as a key regional mediator, despite growing challenges in bringing the parties to agreement.

The temporary pause in mediation efforts suggests mounting frustration with the lack of progress, but also leaves the door open for future negotiations when conditions improve.​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​