The Peacemaker Quits

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Qatar officially withdrew from its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas, citing frustration with both parties’ refusal to negotiate in good faith, even as Israelis including the families of hostages protested over the weekend in Tel Aviv to mark 400 days since their loved ones were taken hostage, NPR reported.

On Saturday, Qatar’s foreign ministry said it had informed both Israel and Hamas of its intention to withdraw from the mediation efforts unless an agreement was reached.

Officials added that Doha would resume negotiations only when both sides demonstrate “seriousness” to end the “brutal war” and alleviate humanitarian suffering in the Gaza Strip.

Israel and Hamas have been locked in a conflict since last year that has expanded across the region to include Iran and Lebanon. The war began shortly after Hamas and its allies launched an attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking more than 250 others hostage.

Qatar and Egypt have been engaged in mediation efforts aimed at reaching a ceasefire and securing the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. But negotiations have repeatedly stalled amid mutual distrust and uncompromising positions from Israel and Hamas.

The Gulf nation played a critical role in November 2023, when it helped broker a temporary ceasefire that secured the release of more than 100 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza in exchange for hundreds of Palestinian detainees in Israel.

A US official noted that Qatar’s mediation had been invaluable for securing past deals.

However, the Biden administration has recently communicated to Doha that Hamas’ presence in Qatar was “no longer viable or acceptable” after the group’s repeated refusals to negotiate seriously on hostage releases, the Financial Times added.

Qatar’s exit comes as pressure continues to build on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to secure a hostage exchange.

On Saturday, hundreds gathered outside the Israel Defense Forces’ Tel Aviv headquarters, demanding that the government prioritize a deal to return the hostages still in Gaza.

Protesters, including prominent actors, rabbis, and families of the hostages, voiced mounting anger at Netanyahu’s perceived lack of action, with some accusing his administration of deliberately prolonging the war.

Of the 251 hostages abducted by Hamas, around 97 are believed to remain in Gaza, according to the Times of Israel.