Reports: Qatar withdraws as mediator between Israel and Hamas

A diplomatic source has told AFP that Qatar has stepped back as a crucial mediator in the Gaza ceasefire negotiations with the Israeli war continuing for the second year despite relentless negotiation talks to halt the hostilities. Doha informed both Hamas and Israel that the Arab country cannot continue to mediate amid the lack of "good faith" in the ongoing discussions. Consequently, the political office of Hamas in Qatar is now deemed ineffective in achieving its objectives, the source added. The news comes after the US reportedly urged Qatar to eliminate the political presence of Hamas in Doha as “no longer acceptable” after the Palestinian movement had rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal introduced in mid-October. “After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, [Hamas] leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner,” a senior administration official told Reuters on Friday.