ALBAWABA - In a significant development, Reuters reports that Qatar is considering closing the political office of Hamas as part of a broader review of its mediation efforts in the ongoing war between the movement and Israel.
According to a knowledgeable official, Qatar is assessing whether to allow Hamas to continue operating its political office in Doha.
The wider review includes deliberations on whether Qatar will continue to mediate in the conflict that began on October 7th.
Qatar announced last month that it was reviewing its role as a mediator in indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas. This decision came amid concerns that its efforts were being hindered by politicians looking to gain political advantage.
The official also stated that if Qatar decides to withdraw from mediation, it may also consider shutting down Hamas' political office in Doha. For the latest updates on the Israel-Palestine conflict, please visit our dedicated page.
After the significant efforts made by Qatar to achieve a genuine ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, today brought about the possibility of Qatar closing Hamas' office. Many speculate that reaching a real agreement for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could happen within hours or days, indicating that Qatar may have fulfilled its duty.
Israeli media reported that Hamas had agreed to the first step of a ceasefire and prisoner exchange with Israel. The whole three-stage accord depends on an American promise for a total Israeli military departure from Gaza within 124 days.
Channel 12 quoted an unidentified Hamas official as saying the American promise was delivered via Egyptian and Qatari mediators, who would meet with Hamas leaders in Cairo on Saturday.
Israel's refusal to end the war in exchange for Palestinian inmates signals it will keep fighting Hamas.
