Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani and U.S. President Donald Trump during a bilateral meeting in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 21, 2017. (Credit: AFP)
Qatar has put an end to rumors and speculation. On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 9, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that media reports claiming Doha had withdrawn from mediating between Israel and Hamas in Gaza were “inaccurate.” Instead, it is "suspending" its efforts, which will resume when both sides “show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. As for the rumors about the closure of Hamas’s office in Doha and the expulsion of its officials residing in the emirate, Hamas denied receiving any such request, and Qatari diplomacy has remained vague. Although this threat has loomed for months, given Qatar’s frustration with the stalemate in negotiations, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has reiterated the importance of keeping Hamas representatives in Doha, as...
Qatar has put an end to rumors and speculation. On the evening of Saturday, Nov. 9, the country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry stated that media reports claiming Doha had withdrawn from mediating between Israel and Hamas in Gaza were “inaccurate.” Instead, it is "suspending" its efforts, which will resume when both sides “show their willingness and seriousness to end the brutal war,” said Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed al-Ansari. As for the rumors about the closure of Hamas’s office in Doha and the expulsion of its officials residing in the emirate, Hamas denied receiving any such request, and Qatari diplomacy has remained vague. Although this threat has loomed for months, given Qatar’s frustration with the stalemate in negotiations, the Foreign Affairs Ministry has reiterated the importance of keeping Hamas representatives...