The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has suspended its mediation between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and the release of hostages and has dismissed recent reports about closing Hamas's political office in Doha.

In a statement, the ministry announced that Qatar had warned Israel and Hamas ten days ago that if they failed to reach an agreement, Qatar would halt its mediation efforts.

Majed bin Mohammed Al Ansari, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Qatar, emphasized that the Hamas political office in Doha is a critical link between the conflicting parties and has previously facilitated efforts concerning the ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza.

The spokesperson said that if both sides (Israel and Hamas) reach an agreement on a ceasefire and the release of hostages, Qatar will resume its mediation.

Al Ansari stated that during the first ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, certain parties prolonged the conflict for their own political gains.

He further stated: “The State of Qatar will not accept that mediation be a reason for blackmailing it, as we have witnessed manipulation since the collapse of the first pause and the women and children exchange deal, especially in retreating from obligations agreed upon through mediation, and exploiting the continuation of negotiations to justify the continuation of the war to serve narrow political purposes."

He reaffirmed that Qatar continues to support Palestinian efforts to establish an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital according to the 1967 borders.

Yesterday, Reuters reported that Washington has been in touch with Qatar over when to close the Hamas' political office, and it told Doha that now was the time.