Gulf state suspends role as Gaza talks mediator

The Qatari government has informed the US and Israel it will stop mediation efforts to halt the conflict in Gaza because it no longer thinks the parties are negotiating in good faith.

- Emma Graham-Harrison and Jason Burke

The Gulf state has concluded that talks have become a political football, and its efforts to facilitate them were generating criticism towards it, according to a diplomatic source briefed on the situation.

"As long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate," the source said.

Qatar's move is the latest major blow to a faltering effort to end fighting in Gaza that has not produced significant results since a temporary ceasefire and hostage release deal nearly a year ago.

But with a new US administration taking power in just over two months, the Qataris have also made clear to US contacts that they would be willing to resume mediation if both sides showed a "sincere willingness" to reach a deal.