New Delhi, Apr 18: Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani has announced a reassessment of the Gulf state’s mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas, aiming to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.
He expressed frustration over the exploitation of Qatar’s diplomatic endeavours by politicians with narrow interests. This statement follows remarks by US Democratic congressman Steny Hoyer, who criticized Hamas’s use of Qatar to extract concessions from Israel, suggesting a re-evaluation of the US-Qatar relationship if pressure on Hamas is not applied.
Qatar, alongside the US and Egypt, has played a pivotal role in mediating between Israel and Hamas since the outbreak of conflict triggered by Hamas’s October 7 attack on Israel. Doha facilitated an agreement in November that resulted in a temporary ceasefire and the release of over 100 hostages.
However, subsequent efforts to negotiate a comprehensive resolution and release the remaining captives have faced challenges, including Hamas’s insistence on a permanent ceasefire and Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza, which is rejected by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government.
The recent breakdown of hostage talks, coupled with escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, further complicates the path to a resolution. Despite the challenges, Sheikh Mohammed affirmed Qatar’s continued efforts to bring peace and ceasefire in the region.