Islam Times - Qatar Refutes Reports on Halting Gaza Ceasefire Mediation

Islam Times - Qatar has denied media claims suggesting it has ceased mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire, clarifying that its role is only paused and not withdrawn.

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry rejected reports on Saturday that the Persian Gulf state had ended its mediation role in Gaza, stressing that its efforts are on temporary hold.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari said, “media reports about the State of Qatar's withdrawal from mediation regarding the ceasefire in Gaza are not accurate.”

Al-Ansari explained that Qatar informed the involved parties ten days prior, during the last round of negotiations, that it would pause its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel if an agreement could not be reached.

The spokesperson’s statement added that Qatar "will resume those efforts with its partners when the parties show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war and the ongoing suffering of civilians."

Al-Ansari emphasized Qatar’s stance against using its mediation as leverage, stating, “Qatar will not accept that mediation be a reason for blackmailing it.”

He highlighted ongoing challenges since the initial ceasefire last November, accusing parties of manipulative tactics and failing to uphold obligations, using negotiations to justify continued conflict for “narrow political purposes.”

Al-Ansari dismissed reports alleging the closure of the Hamas political office in Doha as “inaccurate,” describing the office’s function as a “channel of communication” that has previously facilitated a ceasefire.

He urged reliance on information from official sources.

International media had previously suggested that Qatar would cease its mediation for a ceasefire and prisoner exchange until Hamas and Israel displayed readiness for dialogue, with claims that Hamas leaders were no longer welcome in Qatar.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent Middle East trip concluded in late October without securing any breakthrough in Gaza.

The Israeli war in Gaza intensified after the October 7 attack against Israeli-occupied territories by Hamas-led resistance forces. Since then, Israeli attacks have resulted in the deaths of over 43,000 Palestinians.