According to recent reports, Qatar has withdrawn as a mediator in the ongoing ceasefire and hostage release negotiations between Israel and Hamas. This announcement comes following statements from senior U.S. officials, which reflect that the U.S. government has no intention of tolerating the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar-accusing the group of rejecting renewed efforts to end the conflict in Gaza.
Qatar’s government said the Hamas political office in Doha was “ineffective” because of Hamas’s refusal to “positively negotiate,” as according to Reuters and AFP sources.
Qatar has been a conduit for a variety of diplomatic efforts, most recently including high-stakes talks with the U.S. and Iran as well as with the Taliban.
Qatar has said it would agree to resume mediation if the Israelis and Hamas both demonstrated genuine interest in negotiating. It is certainly putting Hamas’s future diplomatic home at risk, since Doha has been the group’s headquarters since 2012.
If forced to exile, Hamas might opt either for Turkey or Iran, but security would be a concern, especially after the targeted killings of some key figures within Hamas, including Ismail Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar, lately. Turkey at least has the prospect of looking more feasible since it is positioned geographically between East and West and has already proven interest in playing a role as a strategic bridge between East and West.
This is at a time when the United States seems increasingly frustrated with how Israel manages Gaza. Washington recently cautioned that there could be policy consequences if Israel does not permit more humanitarian supplies into Gaza, in light of the increasingly dire situation.
The Biden administration faces a challenging relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu as well, and there is an approaching U.S. presidential transition. President Biden’s red lines have been criticized for not being implemented strictly enough and now further strain diplomatic efforts.
Meanwhile, the question arises in relation to Donald Trump, whose probable return to the presidency might further strengthen the position of Israel in Gaza since his previous government was famous for its pro-Israel policies. However, in a report, he is said to have urged Netanyahu to resolve the problem before his probable takeover.