Since the start of the conflict, only one truce has been agreed, in November 2023, allowing limited exchanges of prisoners and hostages.
Qatar is expected to announce its departure as mediator between Israel and Hamas, after months of failed attempts to reach a ceasefire and hostage exchange agreement in the Gaza Strip. Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the suspension of negotiations, which also included efforts from the United States and Egypt. Since the start of the conflict, only one truce has been agreed, in November 2023, allowing limited exchanges of prisoners and hostages.
According to spokesman Majed al-Ansari, Qatar informed the parties involved, around ten days ago, that it would temporarily abandon mediations if there was no progress. The resumption of efforts, he stated, will depend on the demonstration of good will and seriousness in negotiations.
As the conflict continues, the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip worsens. The UN warned this Saturday of the imminent risk of famine in the Palestinian territory, following the destruction of homes and food stocks. On the same day, Israeli shelling hit a school housing displaced people, killing five people, including children, and attacks on tents in Khan Yunis resulted in nine deaths.
The impact of the conflict also extended to Lebanon, where Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran, opened a front against Israel. Since September, more than 2,700 people have been killed in Lebanon, most of them civilians, according to the Lebanese Ministry of Health. In response to Hezbollah’s rocket attacks, the Israeli Army intensified its offensive, with the stated aim of containing the group and allowing residents of northern Israel to return.
*With information from AFP
