Hamas leaders leave Doha as Qatar suspends Gaza ceasefire mediation

Khalil al-Hayya speaks with reporters in Istanbul, Turkey, on April 24, 2024.

SEOUL, November 21 (AJP) - Senior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya and other key negotiators have left Doha, Qatar, according to Qatar's government and a Palestinian official. The departure follows Qatar's suspension of its mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire.

Qatar's foreign ministry said that Hamas' office in Doha no longer serves a function but denied its permanent closure. The Palestinian official noted that Hamas negotiators are keeping their movements discreet to avoid straining relations with host countries, with Hayya likely in Turkey, where he has visited frequently.

Qatar, which has hosted Hamas' political bureau since 2012, recently paused its mediation, citing a lack of progress toward ending the conflict. Foreign ministry spokesperson Majed al-Ansari confirmed the absence of Hamas negotiators in Doha, emphasizing that the office was only operational for mediation purposes.

Hamas denied reports of a relocation to Turkey, a claim also refuted by Turkey’s foreign ministry. However, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller criticized Hamas leaders living in allied nations, urging their extradition.

The developments occur amidst Israel's ongoing military campaign in Gaza, launched after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack that killed approximately 1,200 Israelis and resulted in 251 hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated his commitment to destroying Hamas and rescuing hostages.

The war has resulted in over 43,970 deaths in Gaza, according to its Hamas-run health ministry. Israel reports 97 hostages remain, with 34 presumed dead.
AJP

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