Hamas Negotiators Not In Doha But Office Remains Open

Publish date: Wednesday، 20 November 2024

Hamas negotiators are no longer in Doha, but the group’s political office has not been permanently closed, Qatar confirmed on Tuesday.

"The leaders of Hamas that are within the negotiating team are now not in Doha," said Majed Al Ansari, Qatar's foreign ministry spokesperson. He clarified, “The decision to close down the office permanently is a decision that you will hear about from us directly.”

Mediation Efforts Put On Hold

Qatar has played a key role in mediating efforts during the Gaza conflict, working alongside the United States and Egypt to broker a truce. These talks aimed to secure a deal that included the release of hostages and prisoners. However, after months of no progress, Qatar recently announced it was pausing its mediation.

"The mediation process right now...is suspended unless we take a decision to reverse that, which is based on the positions of both sides," Ansari said.

Hamas Negotiators Not In Doha But Office Remains Open

Hamas Office in Doha

The political office of Hamas in Doha has been operational since 2012, with Washington’s approval, to facilitate mediation processes. However, Ansari noted that the office has lost its primary purpose now that mediation has stalled.

"The office of Hamas in Doha was created for the sake of the mediation process. Obviously, when there is no mediation process, the office itself doesn’t have any function," he said.

When asked whether Hamas officials had been asked to leave Qatar, Ansari declined to comment further.

Broader Context

Qatar’s role as a mediator has been crucial in previous conflicts, leveraging its relationships to promote dialogue. As the Gaza war continues, the status of Hamas’s presence in Doha and future mediation efforts remain uncertain.

The region watches closely for updates on whether Qatar will resume its efforts or take additional steps regarding Hamas's presence.

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Hamas Negotiators Not In Doha But Office Remains Open

Mediation Efforts Put On Hold

Hamas Office in Doha

Broader Context

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