Qatar will withdraw as a key mediator in Gaza negotiations unless Israel and Hamas fully commit to ceasefire efforts, a diplomatic source told AFP, marking the biggest setback in attempts to reach a truce since the war began over a year ago.
“The Qataris informed both the Israelis and Hamas that as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate,” the source said on condition of anonymity.
Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has been involved in months of negotiations to secure a deal that would end the war.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly rejected ceasefire proposals, which Hamas had accepted, defying the advice of his own security establishment.
On Tuesday, he dismissed his defence minister, Yoav Gallant, who was at odds with the prime minister over the war in Gaza and had been pushing for a ceasefire deal.
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In June, Netanyahu said there would be no permanent ceasefire until Hamas’ military and governing capabilities were destroyed and all captives held in Gaza were released.
Meanwhile, Israel continues its violent bombing campaign across the Gaza Strip, with its military pressing on with a campaign aimed at depopulating the north, where it has imposed a blockade since 5 October.
The source said Qatar had already “notified both sides, Israel and Hamas as well as the US administration” of its decision.
“The Qataris conveyed to the US administration that they would be ready to re-engage in mediation when both sides… demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table,” the source added.
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A senior Hamas official told AFP that the group had not received any indication from Qatar that it should leave the country.
“We have nothing to confirm or deny regarding what was published by an unidentified diplomatic source and we have not received any request to leave Qatar,” the official said from Doha.
Hamas has been adamant that any ceasefire deal must eventually lead to the total withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Last week, the group rejected a proposal that would have brought the release of a small number of Israeli captives and a 30-day cessation of hostilities, but no withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.
Since Israel’s war on Gaza began a year ago, Israeli forces have killed more than 43,500 Palestinians and wounded more than 100,000.
At least 44 people have been killed in Israeli strikes across Gaza in the past 24 hours.
