Qatar has temporarily halted its mediation efforts in the Israel-Hamas conflict, though it may resume this role if both parties show renewed political willingness, according to an Egyptian official.
A diplomatic source confirmed that Israel, Hamas, and the United States were informed of Qatar’s decision, which consequently leaves Hamas’s political office in Qatar without purpose, the source noted.
A senior Hamas representative acknowledged Qatar’s decision, stating, “We are aware of the suspension, but no instructions have been given for us to leave.”
The decision reflects growing frustration over the lack of progress toward a ceasefire. A U.S. senior administration official commented anonymously, saying, “Hamas leaders who repeatedly reject proposals to release hostages should not be welcome in the capitals of any American ally.” Israel’s prime minister’s office declined to comment.
Meanwhile, violence continues in Gaza and Lebanon. Three Israeli airstrikes on Gaza on Saturday killed at least 16 people, including women and children, as reported by Palestinian medical officials. Israel also allowed a limited humanitarian aid delivery to northern Gaza for the first time in weeks.
On the northern front, Israeli forces struck Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, hitting command centers in Beirut’s southern suburbs. An airstrike on the southern city of Tyre reportedly killed at least seven.
In Gaza, an Israeli strike hit a former school turned shelter in Gaza City, killing at least six people, including two journalists, a pregnant woman, and a child, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. The Israeli military claimed the target was a member of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad but provided no details.
Seven others were killed in Khan Younis when an Israeli strike hit a tent shelter, reported Nasser Hospital. Palestinian officials also reported an Israeli strike at a central Gaza hospital compound, killing three and injuring a local journalist.
Aid Reaches Northern Gaza Amid Rising Urgency
The Israeli military’s humanitarian branch, COGAT, confirmed that 11 aid trucks carrying essentials reached northern Gaza on Thursday. The World Food Programme noted some supplies were redirected by Israeli troops from their intended drop-off points.
With the U.S. imposing a deadline for improved aid delivery, the demand is for 350 daily aid trucks to supply Gaza. The recent report from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) warns of possible famine in northern Gaza. COGAT dismissed the report, claiming it relied on “partial, biased data.”
The conflict has left an estimated 90% of Gaza’s residents displaced, according to U.N. figures. Israeli forces have targeted schools and camps sheltering civilians, accusing Hamas of embedding operations within civilian infrastructure.
In over a year of fighting, Palestinian health officials report more than 43,000 deaths in Gaza, with women and children making up a significant portion. The violence began following an attack on Israel by Palestinian militants on October 7, 2023, which left approximately 1,200 people dead and saw 250 abducted.
