Qatar confirmed this Saturday, November 9, that it was suspending its efforts towards a ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip and that negotiations will only resume when the parties “ will show will and seriousness » to end the war. Along with the United States and Egypt, Doha played a key role in the talks between Israel and Hamas.
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Israel and Hamas were informed ten days ago of this decision, assures Doha, which seems to have had enough of these endless cycles of negotiations. It must be said that since October 7, 2023, the mediation of Qatar led to only one truce that lasted a week and allowed the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza and Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Since then, numerous talks have taken place, without result, as Israel and Hamas accuse each other of blocking any agreement with each side refusing the other’s conditions to achieve a ceasefire.
Five million dollars per hostage
Within the Israeli government coalition and in particular on its far right, we welcome Qatar’s decision. This is a development which we believe could have a major impact on the conflict in Gaza and the entire region, details our correspondent in Jerusalem, Michael Paul. But this morning commentators emphasize that the Doha decision is always reversible. In other words, Qatar has not completely withdrawn from the game. The Qataris have given up some ballast at the request of the Biden administration. But it remains to be seen whether Hamas leaders will actually leave the Qatari capital for a new destination.
The aim of the operation is to promote an agreement which allows the release of a certain number of hostages, particularly those who also hold American nationality. Several media outlets in Israel emphasize that Israeli officials will not bend their positions before Donald Trump arrives at the White House. And while waiting for the Prime Minister Benyamin Netanyahu proposes a new approach: offering five million dollars for each hostage released and allowing the kidnappers to take refuge in a third country.
“ We no longer believe in negotiations »
For the Palestinians, this is neither a surprise nor a disavowal, reports our correspondent in Jerusalem, Alice Froussard. “ We no longer believe in negotiations » specifies a Palestinian from Gaza who is only waiting for action, a ceasefire to “ let these massacres end », before insisting on the fact that in Gaza the situation is getting worse and worse whether there are negotiations or not.
“ It will be difficult to replace Qatar, but I think it is Turkey and Iran that could play an important role, explains Hasni Habidi, director of the center for studies and research on the Arab and Mediterranean world in Geneva. The Iranians are happy to play an important role. The former leader of Hamas, Yayah Sinwar maintained good relations with Iran, which means that it is the line close to Iran which risks being reinforced “.
This does not mean that Qatar will no longer receive Hamas leaders or that it will request the departure of Khaled Meshaal or other personalities from Qatar.
Hasni Habidi, director of the center for studies and research on the Arab and Mediterranean world in Geneva
While the Israeli right welcomes Qatar’s decision, the families of hostages and those demonstrating in favor of an agreement that would allow their return do not have the same opinion. Gathered not far from the residence of the Israeli Prime Minister to demand the release of the hostages, the demonstrators are rather pessimistic.
A mediation doomed to failure?
“ Instinctively, I would say that this is a good thing. But someone has to mediate. I don’t have confidence in Hamas’ reaction. Unfortunately, I think they are quite happy with the situation as it is. “, explains Israel Kemo. For Lorraine, Qatar’s mediation was doomed to failure in any case. “ At this point, I have lost all hope that there is anyone on either side willing to negotiate for the release of the hostages. So, I believe that this will not have any influence “.
As for Ofir, he believes all options are now open. “ First of all, it’s sad and a shame. This may be an obstacle that will torpedo everything. Or on the contrary it will make things happen. I don’t know. But we must hope! “, he assures. For more than 400 days now, 101 hostages have still been held in Gaza, and the war in the Palestinian enclave continues.
Also readWar in Gaza: Qatar suspends mediation between Israel and Hamas