Qatar expected to resume mediation for Gaza ceasefire after Trump's envoy's visit: Report

Qatar is expected to resume mediation for the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip after the visit of US President-elect Donald Trump’s envoy, according to a report.

For nearly a year, Qatar had been mediating US-facilitated indirect talks between Israel and Hamas along with Egypt. Last month, Qatar suspended mediation over the lack of seriousness on part of Israel and Hamas to reach a deal for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Now, Reuters has reported that Qatar is expected to resume mediation after a visit from Trump’s Special Envoy to Middle East Steve Witkoff.

Even though Witkoff will assume office on January 20, he has already started his work.

Witkoff visited Turkey and Israel late last month and met the leaders of the two countries, according to Reuters.

Trump is keen to see a deal to end the war in Gaza by the time he takes office. His transition team and advisers are in touch with the outgoing Joe Biden administration, which continues to lead efforts for a deal.

Qatar signals resumption of mediation in Gaza talks: Report

Witkoff met Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani on November 22 and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Nov. 23, a source told Reuters.

Al Thani had been leading the Qatari mediation efforts before the suspension last month.

The source told the news agency that the meetings signalled that Qatar has resumed the role as a key mediator after announcing its suspension after last month.

However, there were no formal announcements of the meetings or Qatar’s resumption of mediation.

The source further said that Hamas negotiators, which had reportedly been exiled from Qatar, would return soon for talks.

Regarding Witkoff’s meeting with Al Thani, the source told the agency: “Both agreed a Gaza ceasefire is needed before Trump’s inauguration so that once the Trump administration takes office it can move onto other issues, like stabilizing Gaza and the region.”

Following the reported meeting with Witkoff, Reuters reported that Al Thani travelled to Austrian capital Vienna to on Nov. 24 to meet David Barnea, the chief of Israeli external intelligence agency Mossad, who has served as Israel’s lead negotiator in talks for a ceasefire and release of hostages.

It is not known if the meeting between Al Thani and Barnea was pre-scheduled or was a result of Witkoff’s efforts. It is also not known if any progress was made during the talks.