Qatar withdraws as key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks: Diplomatic source

Qatar has withdrawn as a key mediator in Gaza ceasefire talks, warning that Hamas' Doha office "no longer serves its purpose", AFP reported, citing a diplomatic source.

“The Qataris informed both the Israelis and Hamas that as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate. As a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose,” the source said on condition of anonymity.

Reuters reported on Friday, citing an administration official, that the US had told Qatar that the presence of Hamas in Doha is no longer acceptable since the group rejected the latest ceasefire proposal, which would have brought the release of a small number of Israeli captives and a 30-day cessation of hostilities, but no withdrawal of Israeli forces from the Gaza Strip.

"After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner. We made that clear to Qatar following Hamas' rejection weeks ago of another hostage release proposal," the senior official said, speaking on the condition of anonymity.

Qatar then made the demand to Hamas leaders about 10 days ago, the official said. Washington has been in touch with Qatar over when to close the group's political office, and it told Doha that now was the time.

Reporting by Agence France-Presse and Reuters