Qatar Says It May Withdraw from Mediation Between Hamas and Israel Due to Its 'Credibility'

The Prime Minister of Qatar stated that the country is reassessing its role as a central mediator in the ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and the release of hostages, as Qatar's 'credibility' has been compromised and some are 'exploiting' it. Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani added during a press conference on Wednesday, without naming any specific group or country, that 'this mediation has been exploited for specific political interests; the role of mediators has limitations, and mediators cannot provide what the parties in conflict refuse to offer.' The Qatari embassy in Washington criticized remarks made by U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer on Tuesday, who called for the U.S. to 'reassess' its relations with Qatar. Hoyer stated on Monday that if Hamas 'continues to hinder progress in negotiations for the release of hostages and establishing a temporary ceasefire,' Qatar should punish the group. The Times of Israel reported on Monday, citing a senior Israeli official, that the Islamist group Hamas has rejected each clause of the latest ceasefire and hostage exchange proposal and has increased its demands. Following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 of last year, at least 1,200 people were killed, most of whom were civilians. This attack led to the onset of war in the Gaza Strip. Hamas militants also took more than 230 hostages, including young children and the elderly. During a week-long ceasefire between Israel and Hamas last January, about one hundred hostages were exchanged for a number of Palestinian prisoners, but around 130 hostages remain captive by Hamas, and it is unclear how many of them are still alive.