Qatar has halted its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, citing a lack of willingness from both sides to engage constructively, according to a diplomatic source briefed on the matter.
Qatar’s participation hinged on both parties demonstrating real interest in resolving the conflict, according to the diplomat. Qatari officials, however, concluded that recent negotiation efforts have been more focused on optics than peace efforts.
The diplomat noted that Qatar may resume its role if both sides reach an impasse and show genuine intent to negotiate.
Under U.S. pressure, Qatari officials had warned Hamas’ political bureau earlier that it was no longer welcome in the country amid frustration over stalled hostage and cease-fire negotiations with Israel, according to a senior U.S. administration official and two diplomats briefed on the matter.
“Hamas has been told that if this continues then Qatar cannot continue to host them,” they said.
“Qatar has become increasingly frustrated with a lack of progress toward a cease-fire by both Hamas and Israel,” one of the diplomats told NBC News Saturday morning.
Later, a diplomat added that Qatar had informed the Israelis and Hamas that “as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate. As a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose.”
The officials did not say whether Hamas had been given a deadline, how its diplomats had responded to the warning to leave, or where they would go.
The move is one of multiple indications that the Biden administration is intensifying efforts to achieve a Gaza cease-fire and hostage deal before leaving office.
The U.S. asked Qatar to kick out Hamas about two weeks ago when the group rejected another hostage proposal after Israel killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the senior U.S. administration official told NBC News late Friday.
Qatar agreed and told Hamas’ political leaders about the decision about 10 days ago, the U.S. official said.
“Hamas is a terrorist group that has killed Americans and continues to hold American hostages,” the official said. “After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner.”
According to one of the diplomats briefed on the matter, once the Qataris had made their decision, they notified Israel and Hamas as well as the U.S. administration.
“All sides were given no advance warning and were informed after the decision was made,” they said.
A Hamas official contacted for comment did not respond. Israeli officials were not immediately available for comment.
A spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, said on X that reports about the Hamas office in Doha were "inaccurate," adding that the office's purpose is to be a "channel of communication between the concerned parties." He characterized Qatar's efforts to mediate between the parties as "currently stalled."
Since the start of the war in Gaza, Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has played a key role in mediating talks between Hamas and Israel, alongside Egypt and the U.S.
While housing Hamas representatives in Qatar has long been considered an advantage by negotiators, the country is under growing pressure from the U.S., with the outgoing Biden administration anxious to force Hamas and Israel into a deal before leaving office.
