Qatar has suspended its role as a mediator in ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas. The country will resume its work once Hamas and Israel show willingness to negotiate.
This comes after US officials reportedly said they would no longer accept Hamas representatives in Qatar, accusing the Palestinian group of rejecting fresh proposals for an end to the Gaza war.
Qatar denied withdrawing from mediation talks and stated that Hamas's political office in Doha no longer serves its purpose.
The country notified the parties 10 days ago that it would stall its efforts if an agreement was not reached.
Qatar will resume efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, if the parties show willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war. Hamas has had a base in Qatar since 2012, at the request of the Obama administration.
Qatar has agreed with the US to tell Hamas to close its political office in Doha due to "a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith". The foreign ministry denies the reports and Hamas officials deny the claims.
Qatar is a key US ally in the region and has played a significant role in negotiations with Iran, the Taliban, and Russia.
Hamas has shown a shift in its relationship with Israel, with the group holding a two-hour mourning tent in Doha after the killing of Yahya Sinwar, contrasting with the three-day mourning for Ismail Haniyeh.
The latest round of talks in mid-October failed to produce a deal, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal. The Qatari foreign ministry has denied media reports about the Hamas office in Doha, stating that the office's main goal is to serve as a communication channel, which has contributed to achieving a ceasefire in previous stages.
Former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a peace deal, despite his security chiefs' advice. The Biden administration's call for Hamas to be expelled from Qatar is an attempt to force a peace deal before his term ends in January.
If Hamas were forced to leave Qatar, their political office would be uncertain, with Iran being an option.
The assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July suggests they may be at risk from Israel if based there.
Turkey, a Nato member and Sunni majority state, is a more likely option for Hamas to operate in Gaza. President Erdogan hosted Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh and his delegation in Istanbul last April, discussing the delivery of humanitarian aid and a fair peace process. Ankara, often seen as a broker between east and west, is likely to welcome the move.
Key Hamas figures, including Osama Hamdan and Taher al-Nunu, have been staying in Istanbul for over a month.
Hamas has extended its presence in Turkey, a departure from previous brief stays, due to concerns over the personal safety of its leadership. The group has seen two leaders killed in less than four months, including Haniyeh and Yahya Sinwar.
The European Council of Foreign Relations states that Hamas has adopted a temporary model of collective leadership to mitigate the impact of future Israeli assassinations. However, senior associate fellow H A Hellyer argues that no place offers protection from Israeli assassination attempts as Doha, where America has its largest military base in the region, did.
US officials are increasingly frustrated with the Israeli government's approach to ending the war, with UN officials warning of an "apocalyptic" situation in northern Gaza and a strong likelihood of famine in certain areas.
The relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu has deteriorated over the Gaza war, with increasing pressure from Washington to improve the humanitarian situation for Palestinians and find a negotiated settlement.
Dr. Hellyer argues that US negotiation attempts have been flawed, as the Biden administration allowed Netanyahu to cross red lines without consequence, encouraging further impunity. Overtures have been rejected by Netanyahu and his right-wing coalition, who will feel emboldened by the prospect of an incoming Donald Trump presidency.
Trump is thought to be more likely to allow Israel to act on its terms, as he has previously said Israel should "finish what they started" in Gaza. Trump has also told Netanyahu that he wants an end to the fighting by the time he takes office.
The current US administration may have less influence over the government in Jerusalem, and they may believe the best way to force a deal is to apply pressure on Hamas. The success of this pressure may depend on whether Qatar, a reliable ally, agrees to it.
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