By Mohammed Abunahel

Qatar Denies Reports of Withdrawing from Gaza Mediation and Closing Hamas Office in Doha

The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has refuted reports suggesting its withdrawal from mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, labeling them as "inaccurate." In an official statement, the ministry clarified that its mediation endeavors are currently suspended, not terminated, and emphasized that Doha will resume its role once conducive conditions and genuine commitment to ending the brutal genocide in Gaza are evident.

Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that Qatar had informed the involved parties ten days prior that it would suspend its mediation efforts if no agreement was reached in the latest negotiation round. He asserted that "the suspension of mediation resulted from the lack of seriousness from the concerned parties," reaffirming Doha's unwavering commitment to supporting the Palestinian people and their legitimate rights.

Al-Ansari added, "The State of Qatar will not accept that mediation be a reason for blackmailing it," underscoring that Doha will not allow its mediation role to be exploited for narrow political agendas at the expense of civilians in Gaza.

Addressing claims that Qatar had requested Hamas to leave its territory and close its political office in Doha, Al-Ansari dismissed these reports as "baseless." He explained that the office serves as a communication channel between international and regional parties, facilitating several ceasefire agreements, notably the November 2023 truce that enabled the exchange of prisoners and hostages.

Dr. Al-Ansari pointed out that "the media reports regarding the Hamas office in Doha is inaccurate, stating that the main goal of the of the office in Qatar is to be a channel of communication between the concerned parties, and this channel has contributed to achieving a ceasefire in previous stages"

Hamas officials have also denied the veracity of reports alleging that Doha requested the movement's leaders to depart Qatar. They described such rumors as unfounded and attributed them to Israeli media attempts to strain relations between Hamas and Qatar.

Since the beginning of the Israeli genocide in Gaza in October 2023, Qatar, alongside Egypt and the United States, has led intensive efforts to broker a ceasefire and alleviate civilian suffering. Despite the current suspension of mediation activities, Doha has reiterated its readiness to re-engage in negotiations once the warring parties demonstrate a sincere willingness to resolve the crisis.

The protracted Israeli genocide in Gaza has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian fatalities, extensive destruction, and an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. The international community continues to call for a comprehensive political solution to end the suffering in Gaza.

Al-Ansari concluded by affirming that Qatar remains at the forefront of nations striving for peace in the region, emphasizing the centrality of the Palestinian cause in Doha's foreign policy and its steadfast support for the Palestinian people until they attain their legitimate rights.

In summary, Qatar has clarified that it has not withdrawn from its mediation role between Hamas and Israel but has temporarily suspended its efforts due to a lack of progress. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that the Hamas office in Doha remains a vital communication channel, instrumental in past ceasefire agreements and prisoner exchanges. Qatar remains committed to resuming its mediation when both parties demonstrate a genuine willingness to negotiate and end the ongoing conflict.

Image Caption: Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Media Center, Qatar.