Israel/Palestine

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip -- Qatar has decided to suspend its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, officials said Saturday. However, Qatar is highly likely to return to the efforts if both sides show “serious political willingness” to reach a deal on the war in Gaza, according to one official with Egypt, the other key mediator.

A diplomatic source briefed on the matter said Israel and Hamas, along with the United States, were informed after the decision was made. The source added that “as a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose” in Qatar.

A senior Hamas official said they were aware of Qatar's decision to suspend mediation efforts, “but no one told us to leave.”

Qatar's announcement comes after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal. “After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, (Hamas) leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner. We made that clear to Qatar following Hamas’ rejection weeks ago of another hostage release proposal,” a U.S. senior administration official said. The officials spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the issue. The Israeli prime minister’s office had no comment.