Mediator Qatar bows out in sign of Gaza impasse

Qatar has decided to suspend its key mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel, officials said, on Saturday, after growing frustration with the lack of progress on a cease-fire deal for Gaza.

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It wasn't immediately clear whether the remaining Hamas leadership hosted by Qatar must leave.

However, Qatar is highly likely to return to the efforts if both sides show "serious political willingness" to reach a deal, according to an official with Egypt, the other key mediator.

Qatar told Israel and Hamas that it can't continue to mediate "as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith" and "as a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose" in Qatar, a diplomatic source briefed on the matter said.

Qatar told Hamas it will have to leave if it isn't ready to engage in serious negotiations, the source said.

In Washington, a US official said the Biden administration had informed Qatar two weeks ago that the continued operation of the Hamas office in Doha was no longer useful and the Hamas delegation should be expelled.