Qatar withdraws as mediator between Israel and Hamas, reports say | BBC News

Qatar has withdrawn as a mediator in ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas, reports say.

It comes after senior US officials reportedly said Washington would no longer accept the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar – where they have had a base since 2012 - accusing the Palestinian group of rejecting fresh proposals for an end to the war in Gaza.

Anonymous Qatari sources told the AFP and Reuters news agencies that Hamas's political office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose" due to "a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith".

Qatar is ready to resume its role as a mediator were Israel and Hamas to show "sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table", the sources went on to say.

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