Qatar is suspending its role in talks between Israel and Hamas, sources say
Source: CNN World
Published 1:10 PM EST, Sat November 9, 2024
CNN — Qatar is suspending its role as a mediator in talks between Israel and Hamas after concluding that the two sides are no longer negotiating in good faith, two sources familiar with the situation tell CNN. Qatar, which has long hosted Hamas’ political office in Doha, has alongside Egypt served as an intermediary for the two sides, which do not officially maintain direct contact.
A diplomatic source briefed on the matter told CNN that the Qatari government made the decision after concluding that both sides are now refusing “to engage constructively.”
Except for a brief flurry of activity last month, there have been no real negotiations since six Israeli hostages were executed by Hamas and discovered in a Gaza tunnel at the end of August. During a temporary ceasefire mediated by Qatar and Egypt last November, Hamas released 105 hostages and Israel released 240 Palestinian prisoners.
“The Qataris have concluded that there is insufficient willingness from either side, with the mediation efforts becoming more about politics and PR rather than a serious attempt to secure peace, save the hostages and Palestinian civilians,” the diplomatic source told CNN. “As a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose.”
Read more: https://www.cnn.com/2024/11/09/middleeast/qatar-mediation-israel-hamas-intl/index.html