Qatar has decided to suspend its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel due to frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal for Gaza. It remains unclear if the remaining Hamas leadership hosted by Qatar must leave. However, Qatar may resume mediation if both sides demonstrate a serious willingness to reach a deal, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.
Qatar informed Israel and Hamas that it cannot continue mediating as long as there is a refusal to negotiate in good faith. As a result, the Hamas political office in Qatar no longer serves its purpose. Qatar told Hamas to leave if it is not ready to engage in serious negotiations.
The Biden administration advised Qatar to expel the Hamas delegation after Hamas rejected the last cease-fire proposal. While Hamas is aware of Qatar's decision to suspend mediation efforts, no official directive to leave has been issued.
In Gaza, Israeli strikes killed at least 16 people, including women and children. Israel announced the first delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza's north, but not all aid reached the intended locations. The U.S. has set a deadline for Israel to improve aid deliveries across Gaza or risk losing access to U.S. weapons funding.
The conflict in Gaza has displaced 90% of Palestinians, with tens of thousands remaining in northern Gaza where emergency services are non-functional. The U.N. warns of imminent famine in parts of northern Gaza, while COGAT disputes these claims.
The war in Gaza, which began after Palestinian militants attacked Israel in 2023, has resulted in over 43,000 deaths, with more than half being women and children. The military accuses Hamas of operating from civilian infrastructure in Gaza.
For more updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict, visit AP's war coverage.
