Qatar officially denied reports of the expulsion of Hamas and announced a freeze on mediation

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has officially announced a freeze on mediation efforts. It also denied reports that the group’s leadership had been expelled from Qatar.

“We have advised the parties that once the intention to end the war becomes serious, mediation will resume and Qatar will lead efforts to end the war and return the hostages,” the statement said, also demanding adherence to previous commitments.

“Reports regarding the Hamas bureau in Qatar are inaccurate. The presence of the Hamas bureau in Doha is intended to maintain a channel of communication between the parties. It also contributed to the achievement of a truce at an earlier stage of the war,” the Qatari Foreign Ministry said.