Qatar halts mediation between Hamas and Israel as U.S. pushes for expulsion
Deir Al Balah (Gaza Strip): Qatar announced on Saturday that it has suspended mediation between Hamas and Israel, citing frustration with the lack of progress on a Gaza ceasefire. The Gulf nation has informed both Israel and Hamas that it cannot continue mediating "as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith." A diplomatic source indicated that Qatar also informed Hamas that its political office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose" unless serious negotiations commence.
Pressure from International Allies
The suspension follows a push from the Biden administration, which informed Qatar that Hamas's office in Doha was no longer useful in facilitating progress. A senior U.S. official noted that Qatar, acting on American advice, informed Hamas of its decision ten days ago after Hamas rejected a recent ceasefire proposal. An Egyptian official, representing another key mediator, said Qatar might return to its efforts if both parties demonstrate "serious political willingness" to reach a resolution.
Mounting Violence and Civilian Casualties
Meanwhile, violence continues to escalate across the region. In Lebanon, Israeli forces struck Hezbollah positions, targeting militant infrastructure. An airstrike on Tyre killed seven people, as local residents, including Mohammed Mekdad, vowed to support Hezbollah.
In Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have left at least 16 people dead, including civilians sheltering in a school and families in Khan Younis. The recent strikes have targeted key militant locations, according to Israel’s military, though Palestinian sources report civilian casualties, including women, children, and journalists.
Aid Reaches Northern Gaza
The first humanitarian aid in weeks reached northern Gaza, with 11 trucks carrying food, water, and medical supplies. However, not all aid reached its intended destinations, with one convoy reportedly halted by Israeli forces. This aid distribution coincides with a U.S. deadline mandating that Israel allows a minimum of 350 daily aid trucks into Gaza or risks losing U.S. military funding.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens
The United Nations reports that 90% of Gaza’s population is displaced, with northern areas facing imminent famine. Despite these warnings, Israel’s Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (COGAT) dismissed famine projections, describing them as "biased."
Over a Year of Conflict
The Gaza conflict, now in its 400th day, has claimed over 43,000 lives, according to Palestinian health officials, who estimate that more than half of the casualties are women and children. The conflict traces back to Hamas’s October 7, 2023, incursion into Israel, which killed around 1,200 civilians and led to the abduction of over 250 individuals, with some hostages still missing.