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Qatar has announced it will cease its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas, according to a diplomatic source speaking to AFP.
The Gulf state, which has served as a key intermediary alongside Egypt for the past 13 months, cited both parties' unwillingness to negotiate "in good faith" as the reason for its withdrawal.
"There is no longer any justification or need for Hamas offices in the country," the diplomatic source told AFP, suggesting a potential end to Hamas's presence in Doha.
This development follows a Reuters report claiming Qatar had agreed to U.S. demands to expel Hamas leadership from its territory.
However, Hamas officials have pushed back against these claims, telling Al-Hadath network they have not received any requests to leave Qatar.
Qatar has played a crucial role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas since the conflict began, working alongside Egypt to facilitate indirect talks between the parties. The country's withdrawal as mediator marks a significant shift in diplomatic efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis.
The announcement comes as the conflict enters its 400th day, and could complicate negotiation efforts for hostage releases and cease-fire agreements.
According to Moriah Assaraf, a senior Israeli official has suggested Qatar's reported move to expel Hamas leadership is primarily aimed at reducing pressure ahead of Trump's potential administration.
"Whether Hamas leaders are expelled from Qatar or not, Doha will remain Hamas's most influential patron," the official stated, adding that Israel expects Qatar to leverage this influence to pressure Hamas into accepting a hostage release deal.
The source emphasized that Qatar's apparent distancing from Hamas appears more tactical than substantial, aimed at improving its position with an incoming Trump administration while maintaining its regional influence.
