#BREAKING: Qatar officially denies the reports circulating about expelling Hamas and clarifies their position: 

Official Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Qatar's efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel are currently suspended

Dr. Majed bin Mohammed Al-Ansari, the official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, stated that reports suggesting that the State of Qatar has withdrawn from mediation efforts regarding a ceasefire and de-escalation are not accurate. He pointed out that Qatar had informed the parties, during the latest attempts to reach an agreement, that its mediation efforts were on hold due to the lack of agreement between Hamas and Israel. He added that Qatar would resume its efforts when the circumstances permit, as Qatar prioritizes alleviating the suffering of civilians who are enduring the brutality of war and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. He affirmed that, in this regard, Qatar would be at the forefront of any effort to secure the release and safe return of hostages.

Dr. Al-Ansari emphasized, in a statement to the Qatar News Agency (QNA), that Qatar’s mediation stance is based on a clear framework, aiming in the initial phase for a ceasefire and the exchange of women and children. He described recent statements about the agreement as attempts to justify continued negotiations under “hidden political agendas.”

The official spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated Qatar’s commitment to the Palestinian people’s rights, particularly their right to establish an independent state along the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital, stressing the centrality of the Palestinian cause to Qatar.

Dr. Al-Ansari noted that reports regarding Hamas’ office in Doha are not accurate. Affirming that the reason of the presence of Hamas’ office in Doha is to serve as a communication channel between the parties. This channel has achieved significant milestones in previous stages, helping to maintain a ceasefire and facilitating the exchange of hostages, including women and children, in November of last year. He underscored the importance of relying on official sources for information in this context.

Doha, November 9, 2024