Qatar to halt Gaza ceasefire efforts amid deadlock between Hamas and Israel

  • Qatar had made it clear from the beginning of the conflict that it would only mediate if both Hamas and Israel showed a genuine interest in finding a resolution. According to an official, Qatar had previously informed Hamas, Israel, and US administration of its decision to halt its role in talks.

Livemint
Published9 Nov 2024, 09:22 PM IST
A demonstrator holds a Palestinian flag and baby clothing on a line outside the Houses of Parliament during a demonstration in tribute to infants killed in Gaza, amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024.
A demonstrator holds a Palestinian flag and baby clothing on a line outside the Houses of Parliament during a demonstration in tribute to infants killed in Gaza, amid the conflict between Israel and Hamas, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024. (REUTERS)

Qatar may announce that it will cease efforts to mediate a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel until both sides demonstrate a "sincere willingness" to return to the negotiating table, marking a significant setback to peace talks, a report said on Saturday, citing an official briefed on the matter.

The official stated that Qatar had made it clear from the beginning of the conflict that it would only mediate if both parties showed a genuine interest in finding a resolution, and that Qatar had previously informed Hamas, Israel, and the U.S. administration of its decision to halt its diplomatic role in the talks, Reuters report stated.

This decision is viewed as a critical blow to ceasefire efforts, as Qatar, alongside Egypt and the U.S., has been a key player in attempts to broker a truce. The latest round of negotiations, which took place in mid-October, failed to yield results, with Hamas rejecting a short-term ceasefire proposal.

Also Read | Netanyahu wanted Trump back. But the Middle East has changed since 2016.

Further complicating matters, Qatar has also concluded that Hamas' political office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose," according to the official. This move is a significant shift in Qatar's stance, as Hamas leaders, including top figures, have faced increasing pressure due to Israeli assassinations.

Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Trump’s US election win brings little hope for Palestinians

In response to the growing frustration with Hamas, the U.S. had earlier conveyed to Qatar that the continued presence of Hamas in Doha was no longer acceptable, following the militant group's rejection of the most recent ceasefire and hostage agreement proposals.

Qatar's suspension of its mediation role marks a stark reminder of the difficulties in reaching a resolution to the ongoing conflict in Gaza, with no clear path forward in sight.

Israel rejects Hamas' role in post-war Gaza governance

Israel has firmly rejected any role for Hamas in Gaza after the conflict ends and expressed doubts about the Palestinian Authority, led by Mahmoud Abbas, being able to govern the enclave. Israeli officials have stated that the war will continue until Hamas is dismantled, while the militant group calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

Hamas political official Izzat al-Risheq has dismissed proposals for temporary or limited ceasefires, labeling them as "smokescreens" meant to delay a resolution.

Meanwhile, Islamic Jihad, an allied militant group, launched rockets at several Israeli towns near the Gaza border on Saturday night, escalating the violence.

Also Read | Freed Hamas hostage Mia Shem blasts global inaction: ‘Where was the UN?’

The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants attacked Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military actions have led to over 43,000 Palestinian deaths and the widespread destruction of Gaza.

In the latest round of violence, Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group allied with Hamas, said it launched rockets at Sderot, Mefalsim and other Israeli territory near the Gaza border late on Saturday.

(With Reuters inputs)

Catch all the Business News , Breaking News Events and Latest News Updates on Live Mint. Download The Mint News App to get Daily Market Updates.

MoreLess
First Published:9 Nov 2024, 09:22 PM IST
Business NewsNewsWorldQatar to halt Gaza ceasefire efforts amid deadlock between Hamas and Israel

Get Instant Loan up to ₹10 Lakh!

  • Employment Type

    Most Active Stocks

    Zee Entertainment Enterprises share price

    129.15
    03:09 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    6 (4.87%)

    Adani Power share price

    553.00
    03:09 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    -7.2 (-1.29%)

    Tata Steel share price

    144.65
    03:09 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    1.2 (0.84%)

    Tata Motors share price

    785.80
    03:09 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    5.95 (0.76%)
    More Active Stocks

    Market Snapshot

    • Top Gainers
    • Top Losers
    • 52 Week High

    Lloyds Metals & Energy share price

    1,031.50
    03:03 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    63.05 (6.51%)

    Praj Industries share price

    827.15
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    31.25 (3.93%)

    Laurus Labs share price

    565.50
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    14.05 (2.55%)

    Computer Age Management Services share price

    4,921.90
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    25.45 (0.52%)
    More from 52 Week High

    Creditaccess Grameen share price

    899.75
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    -87.2 (-8.84%)

    Poonawalla Fincorp share price

    353.45
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    -20.15 (-5.39%)

    Home First Finance Company India share price

    1,052.60
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    -41.55 (-3.8%)

    Colgate Palmolive India share price

    2,893.25
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    -107.65 (-3.59%)
    More from Top Losers

    Piramal Pharma share price

    263.90
    03:03 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    18.3 (7.45%)

    Lloyds Metals & Energy share price

    1,031.50
    03:03 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    63.05 (6.51%)

    Honasa Consumer share price

    264.90
    03:02 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    13.35 (5.31%)

    Life Insurance Corporation of India share price

    986.50
    03:04 PM | 29 NOV 2024
    46.95 (5%)
    More from Top Gainers

    Recommended For You

      More Recommendations

      Gold Prices

      • 24K
      • 22K
      Bangalore
      77,355.00-180.00
      Chennai
      77,361.00-180.00
      Delhi
      77,513.00-180.00
      Kolkata
      77,365.00-180.00

      Fuel Price

      • Petrol
      • Diesel
      Bangalore
      102.92/L-0.10
      Chennai
      100.80/L-0.10
      Kolkata
      104.95/L0.00
      New Delhi
      94.77/L0.00

      Popular in News

        HomeMarketsPremiumInstant LoanMint Shorts