The situation in Gaza is further complicated by Qatar’s withdrawal from its role as a ceasefire mediator. According to diplomatic sources, Doha has said that Hamas’s political office “no longer serves any purpose.” This decision was taken in response to the parties' refusal to negotiate in good faith.
The Qataris have warned both Israel and Hamas that until there is serious engagement from both sides, Doha cannot continue to play a mediating role. The decision was influenced by significant pressure from the United States, which has forced Qatar to reconsider its position.
A Hamas official in Doha said there was no official confirmation of the claims regarding the closure of the office. However, according to the source cited, Qatar has informed the two factions that it can no longer act as an intermediary as long as the failure to reach an agreement persists. In a parallel context, reports from Lebanon reveal that Israel has asked Unifil forces to limit their movements in vulnerable areas in the south of the country. This development could suggest a possible expansion of Israeli operations in Lebanese territory.
In the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-run civil defense reported the deaths of 14 people in Israeli strikes overnight and into the morning. The Israeli military said it had struck more than 50 terrorist targets in Lebanon and Gaza in the past 24 hours.
Yesterday morning, the Israeli army intercepted five rockets from Lebanon, while warning sirens sounded in the northern parts of the country. Although some rockets were shot down, others fell in open areas without causing significant damage. The Israeli Air Force has carried out nighttime strikes against Hezbollah-related infrastructure in Beirut. These strikes target the terrorist organization’s command centers and weapons production sites.
With Qatar out of the mediation scene and tensions rising in Lebanon and Gaza, the future of the region appears uncertain. Recent developments raise crucial questions about the possibility of achieving lasting peace and the impact of regional dynamics on the local political balance.
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