Qatar pulls out of Gaza ceasefire mediation, asks Hamas to leave political base in Doha: report

Qatar will suspend efforts to broker a Gaza cease-fire deal until Hamas and Israel "show real commitment to return to the negotiating table," Reuters said on Saturday, citing an official briefed on the matter.

The Gulf state also concluded that Hamas's political office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose", the official added.

The move is the most significant setback to ceasefire efforts since Hamas launched the Gaza war by invading Israel on Oct. 7, 2023.

"The Qataris have said from the beginning of the conflict that they can mediate only when both sides show a genuine interest in finding a solution," the official said, adding that Qatar had informed Hamas, Israel and the US administration of its decision.

It comes after reports that the United States has told the tiny Gulf state that it is no longer acceptable for the militant Islamist group Hamas to maintain a base there.

Qatar, a key U.S. partner in the Middle East, has hosted Hamas' political office for more than a decade, allowing several of the organization's senior leaders to live there.

The request was reported by Reuters late on Friday but has yet to be officially confirmed.

“After rejecting repeated offers to release hostages, [Hamas] leaders should no longer be welcomed into the capital of any American partner. We made it clear to Qatar after Hamas rejected another hostage release offer," a senior official told Reuters on condition of anonymity.