Qatar re-evaluates key mediator role in Middle East conflict on concerns of ‘political exploitation’

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Jacquelyn Martin | Reuters Qatar is reconsidering its role as cease-fire broker between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas, the Gulf state’s prime minister said, expressing concerns that Doha’s mediation has been subject to “political exploitation.”
He did not reference any politicians or states by name, but noted that Doha has observed the “misuse” of its mediation and “its employment for narrow political interests,” stressing that Qatar will undertake a “comprehensive evaluation” of its diplomatic position without indicating a timeline.
Congressman for Maryland, Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) had issued a statement urging Qatar to “apply pressure on Hamas to accept a reasonable deal” for a temporary truce in exchange for the return of captives abducted by the Palestinian group during its terror attack of Oct. 7.
Iran — which backs Hamas, Lebanon’s Hezbollah, Yemen’s Houthi and the Syrian regime of Bashar Assad, all inimical to Israel — has said that the Saturday operation marked the end of its response to an Israeli strike that killed several commanders at an Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria.