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Qatar stops mediation efforts in Gaza ceasefire talks — news agency

According to the AFP, the Qatari authorities have already informed both the parties to the conflict and the US administration of their decision

PARIS, November 9. /TASS/. Qatar has refused to mediate between Israel and the Palestinian Hamas movement, which have failed to reach an agreement on a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages, the AFP news agency reported, citing a diplomatic source.

"The Qataris have told the Israelis and Hamas that as long as both sides refuse to negotiate a constructive agreement, it will be impossible to continue the mediation role," AFP quoted the source as saying.

According to the news agency, the Qatari authorities have already informed both the parties to the conflict and the US administration of their decision. The source also said that Qatar is ready to resume mediation "when both sides <...> demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table."

In addition, the AFP source also said that the Hamas office in Doha "no longer serves its purpose." At the same time, according to the news agency, the source did not specify whether the Qatari authorities plan to close this office and whether the movement will maintain its presence in Qatar.

Hamas' political office has been operating in Doha since 2012, when the movement's leadership was forced to leave its headquarters in Damascus due to the Syrian war. Qatar has provided political asylum to Hamas leaders, becoming a platform for the movement's representation abroad.