### Qatar Suspends Mediation Between Israel and Hamas

Qatar has ceased its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas due to an apparent lack of commitment from both parties to engage sincerely in peace talks, according to a diplomatic source. The mediator's participation was reliant on genuine interest from both sides to resolve the ongoing conflict. However, Qatari officials have determined that recent negotiation attempts were more about appearances than achieving substantial progress.

Qatari mediators might consider resuming their role if both sides display genuine intent to negotiate after reaching an impasse, the diplomat mentioned. Under pressure from the United States, Qatar had warned Hamas' political bureau that their continued presence in Qatar was no longer welcome due to stagnated hostage and cease-fire negotiations with Israel, as revealed by a senior U.S. administration official and two informed diplomats.

"Hamas has been informed that Qatar cannot keep hosting them if this situation persists," one of the diplomats stated. Another diplomat explained that Qatar had notified Israeli and Hamas officials that they would no longer mediate without a good-faith effort from both sides, thereby rendering the Hamas political office ineffective. The timeline or details on how Hamas diplomats responded to the ultimatum or where they might relocate were not disclosed.

This development aligns with multiple indications that the Biden administration is intensifying its efforts to secure a cease-fire and hostage deal in Gaza. Approximately two weeks ago, the U.S. requested that Qatar expel Hamas following the group's rejection of another hostage proposal after the killing of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar by Israel. Qatar complied and communicated this decision to Hamas' political leaders about ten days ago.

"Hamas is a terrorist organization that has harmed Americans and holds American hostages," a U.S. official said. "After continually rejecting proposals to release hostages, their leaders should not find refuge in any ally of the United States." Once the decision was made, informed parties including Israel, Hamas, and the U.S. administration were notified without advance notice.

A Hamas official declined to comment, and Israeli officials were unavailable for immediate response. In contrast, Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, a spokesperson for Qatar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, remarked on X (formerly Twitter) that reports about the Hamas office in Doha were "inaccurate" and emphasized that the office's role is a "channel of communication" between relevant parties. He acknowledged that Qatar's mediation efforts are currently stalled.

Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani has played a significant role in attempting to mediate talks between Hamas and Israel, with assistance from Egypt and the U.S. Despite Qatar's position as a crucial intermediary by housing Hamas representatives, the country faces increasing pressure from the U.S., particularly with the Biden administration aiming to finalize a deal before its term ends.

Moreover, Qatari leaders are bracing for potential challenges from a prospective Trump presidency and more assertive Republican lawmakers with little patience for prolonged unsuccessful negotiations. The U.S. urged Qatar to expel Hamas partly due to dissatisfaction after American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin's death and coinciding with the unsealing of indictments against Hamas leaders, including Khaled Meshal, who resides in Qatar.

The U.S. administration remains focused on securing the release of hostages, believing that expelling Hamas from Doha will exert additional pressure on the organization. A senior U.S. official commended Qatar's previous invaluable role in mediating hostage deals, acknowledging that nearly 200 hostages were released last year due to their efforts. However, the continuous refusal by Hamas to release hostages has led to the untenability of their presence in Doha.

In the wake of Hamas' October 7, 2023 terror attack, which resulted in around 1,200 deaths and approximately 250 hostages taken, about 100 remain in captivity, with a third presumed dead. The subsequent conflict has led to more than 43,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza and extensive destruction of the blockaded enclave. In April, Hamas had been asked to leave Qatar for Turkey, only to be called back when officials there failed to facilitate a hostage deal.

Senator Rick Scott, R-Fla., who is vying for Senate leadership, has expressed criticism towards Qatar, co-sponsoring a bill that advocates reevaluating Qatar's Major Non-NATO Ally Status. He highlighted Qatar's recent interactions with Hamas as a reason for concern. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials have also criticized Qatar for not enforcing an agreement with Hamas.

Earlier, Qatar defended its negotiating role, with its embassy in Washington stating it was asked by the U.S. in 2012 to mediate. Qatar emphasized that blame placed on the mediator is unproductive, particularly when the mediator is a friend and a Major Non-NATO Ally that hosts a significant U.S. military presence in the Middle East.