What the withdrawal means

Qatar and its balancing act in the Gaza conflict

Qatar was considered a key player in the mediation between Israel and Hamas, providing a neutral platform and facilitating important negotiations. But now the emirate has given up its role. What is behind the withdrawal of a country that is navigating between diplomacy, self-interest and geopolitical pressure?

Since the beginning of the war, Qatar has proved to be an important mediator between Israel and Hamas alongside Egypt. In air-conditioned rooms in the capital Doha, there have been marathon meetings with representatives of Hamas and the Palestinians, and messages from the Biden administration have been conveyed to the terrorist organization.

Qatar is also working intensively with the Israelis, although the two countries have no formal diplomatic relations. Why did the country stop its mediating role? And why did it accept it in the first place?