Contact lost with vessel as tensions rise over humanitarian mission to besieged Gaza Strip

Israeli forces have reportedly boarded a yacht attempting to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza, according to statements from the Freedom Flotilla Coalition, the activist group behind the mission.

The vessel, named Madleen, lost all communication while it was sailing in international waters near the Egyptian coast. “Connection has been lost,” the coalition wrote on its Telegram channel, along with a photo appearing to show passengers in life jackets, sitting on the deck with their hands raised in a posture of surrender. The authenticity of the photo has not yet been independently verified.

One of the most prominent figures reportedly aboard is Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg, who joined the voyage in solidarity with Palestinians and to bring attention to what activists are calling a worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza.

The ship is part of the Freedom Flotilla, a civil society-led initiative aiming to break the Israeli blockade of Gaza and deliver food, medicine, and other essential supplies. The coalition says the flotilla’s cargo is strictly humanitarian and includes no weapons or military materials.

Israeli Government: Blockade Necessary for Security

Earlier today, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant issued a directive to the military to stop the vessel from breaching the naval blockade, which Israel has enforced on Gaza since 2007. Israeli authorities argue the blockade is critical to prevent weapons and other supplies from reaching Hamas, the armed group that controls the Gaza Strip and is designated a terrorist organization by Israel, the U.S., and the EU.

“The Israeli Navy is acting in accordance with international law to prevent unauthorized vessels from entering the maritime security zone around Gaza,” an Israeli official said in a brief statement, without directly confirming that the Madleen had been boarded.

A High-Stakes Voyage Amid Growing Global Attention

The Freedom Flotilla’s mission comes at a time of heightened international scrutiny over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where residents have endured months of military bombardment, displacement, and restricted access to food, water, fuel, and medical care.

Greta Thunberg’s participation has brought global media attention to the voyage. Before departure, she described the mission as a “moral obligation” and criticized the international community’s failure to act decisively to alleviate the suffering of civilians in Gaza.

This isn’t the first time activists have attempted to challenge the Israeli blockade. In 2010, a similar flotilla ended in a deadly raid by Israeli forces aboard the Mavi Marmara, leaving 10 Turkish activists dead and triggering an international outcry.

What Happens Next?

As of now, there has been no official confirmation from Israel about the current status of the Madleen or the whereabouts of those on board. Human rights groups and international observers are urging transparency and restraint as the situation unfolds.

The Freedom Flotilla Coalition is demanding the immediate release of the passengers and that the aid be allowed to reach its intended destination.

This is a developing story. More updates will follow as new details become available.

Source: BBC – Israeli Forces Board Gaza Aid Ship Carrying Greta Thunberg, Say Activists

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip — As the sun rose over the war-torn Gaza Strip, Palestinians gathered for Eid al-Adha prayers—not in grand mosques or homes, but in the open air among the rubble. For many, this was a harsh reminder of the conflict’s toll, as food grows scarcer and hope for peace remains distant.

“This is the worst Eid the Palestinian people have ever faced,” said Kamel Emran, who attended prayers in Khan Younis. “No food, no flour, no shelter, no mosques, no homes, no mattresses… The conditions are very, very harsh.”

Prayers Among Ruins, Memories of Loss

Eid al-Adha, one of Islam’s holiest holidays, traditionally brings families together to celebrate and share meals. But this year in Gaza, the usual joy was overshadowed by loss and hardship.

In Gaza City, Sanaa Al-Ghola stood tearfully in the ruins of a cemetery near a half-collapsed mosque. She had come to pray for her son, Mohamed al-Ghoul, who was killed last month during shelling while fetching flour. “We lost everything—our home, money, and my son,” she said, holding a photo of Mohamed. “There is no more Eid after you’re gone.”

At a displacement camp in Muwasi, Tahrir Abu Jazar warmed leftover lentils for her five children. “There are no celebrations now—no new clothes, no sacrificial meat, no gifts, no joy,” she said. Her son, trying to find normalcy, was scared away by warplanes.

Violence and Aid Challenges Continue

In Rafah, the grim reality of the conflict played out anew as nine people were killed while trying to collect humanitarian aid. Eight died from gunshot wounds, and one from shrapnel, according to hospital officials. Israel’s military has not confirmed these reports but is investigating.

A newly formed group, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), denied any violence at aid points, stating distributions were “peaceful and without incident.” However, the ongoing violence and movement restrictions make aid delivery a daily struggle.

Israel warned civilians in northern Gaza of upcoming military operations after rockets were fired toward Israel from that area. Meanwhile, four Israeli soldiers were killed in a blast while searching a Hamas compound in Khan Younis, highlighting the continuing dangers on both sides.

A Devastating Toll Since October 7

The war erupted on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched a deadly surprise attack on Israel, killing about 1,200 people and abducting 251 hostages. Israeli forces have since killed over 54,000 Palestinians—mostly civilians—and displaced roughly 90% of Gaza’s 2 million residents, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

The offensive has left large parts of Gaza in ruins, forcing families into displacement and desperate conditions.

Risk of Famine Looms Over Gaza

After months of a near-total blockade, Israel has recently allowed limited food and aid into Gaza. Yet, the United Nations reports that much of this aid remains undelivered due to military restrictions and unsafe roads.

The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warns that by September, nearly half a million Gazans could face severe food insecurity—pushing the territory toward famine.

Rein Paulson of the FAO described the crisis starkly: “The risk of famine is really touching the whole Gaza Strip.”

Aid Distribution Under Fire

Tensions around aid distribution sites remain high. Frequent shootings near distribution points have led to more than 80 deaths in recent weeks, with Israeli troops and Palestinians clashing over access.

Israel accuses Hamas of interfering with aid efforts, while Palestinian hospitals report deaths caused by soldiers firing at crowds. In response to dangerous crowding, the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation temporarily paused aid distribution, later clarifying it was a short-term safety measure.

The Israeli military announced new rules limiting access to aid sites strictly between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m., designating other times as closed military zones.

Controversy Hits U.S. Consulting Firm Involved in Gaza Aid

Adding to the turmoil, the Boston Consulting Group confirmed it had dismissed two partners for undisclosed work related to the GHF’s food distribution efforts in Gaza. The firm is continuing its investigation.

The Human Face of a Conflict Without End

As Gaza endures this brutal conflict, the Eid prayers in the rubble, the shrinking food supplies, and the stories of families torn apart by violence remind the world of the human cost behind the headlines. For many Palestinians, this Eid was not about celebration—but survival.

Source: AP News – Gaza marks the start of Eid with outdoor prayers in the rubble and food growing ever scarcer

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In the midst of unimaginable hardship, a daily phone call from Pope Francis became a beacon of hope for Gaza’s small Christian population. As the region faced the devastating impact of war, the pope’s calls offered a sense of peace and reassurance that Gaza was not forgotten.

For 18 months, since the start of the ongoing conflict, Pope Francis called the Holy Family Church in Gaza City every evening, around 8 PM. Father Gabriel Romanelli, the church’s pastor, shared with CNN that these calls often lasted 15 minutes. During these conversations, the pope would speak with church leaders and offer words of comfort to the Palestinian families seeking refuge within the church’s walls.

The calls, though brief, were more than just a formality. For the Christians of Gaza, they were a reminder that despite the devastation around them, they were not alone. “He shows us his paternity. He is very close to us,” Father Romanelli said. The pope’s voice became a daily lifeline, a call for peace amid the destruction that defined the region’s existence.

Pope Francis didn’t just call to check in; he repeatedly called for an end to the war. From the very start, he spoke out against the Israeli siege on Gaza and continually advocated for peace. In his final Easter message, delivered the day before he passed away, the pope shared his heartfelt thoughts on Gaza. “I think of the people of Gaza, and its Christian community in particular,” he said, urging a ceasefire, the release of hostages, and humanitarian aid for the region.

“I appeal to the warring parties: call a ceasefire, release the hostages, and come to the aid of a starving people that aspires to a future of peace!” he urged in his message.

For Gaza’s Christians, the Holy Family Church has been more than just a place of worship. It’s become a sanctuary—a rare spot of safety amidst the chaos. The church, which serves as Gaza’s only Catholic parish, has opened its doors to displaced families. Tents now fill the church’s courtyard, providing refuge from the ongoing airstrikes. Sadly, the violence has taken its toll, and according to the church and Gaza’s Ministry of Health, around 20 members of Gaza’s Christian community have lost their lives to Israeli strikes. Despite the danger, Muslims and Christians alike have sought shelter at the church.

Musa Antone, a Christian resident of Gaza, recalled the pope’s unwavering support. “His Holiness the pope was not an ordinary person,” he said. “He was a man of faith who inquired about both Christians and Muslims.” For years, Antone said, Pope Francis had been a steady source of strength for Gaza’s Christian community, encouraging them to stay despite the constant threat of violence.

While the Christian community in Gaza has shrunk significantly—once numbering several thousand, it now stands at fewer than 1,400—Pope Francis’s calls and his steadfast concern for their welfare played a key role in keeping the community from leaving. “He was concerned about all of Gaza,” said Antone. “He provided reassurance and strength to the Christian community so that they would not leave Gaza.”

Even after Pope Francis’s passing, Gaza’s Christians remain committed to carrying forward his spiritual legacy. “It is true that we have lost his body, but we will not lose him as a spirit,” Antone said. The pope’s words and actions have left an indelible mark on their hearts.

Though Pope Francis never visited Gaza—his only visit to the region was to the occupied West Bank in 2014—his presence was deeply felt. The Holy Family Church described his relationship with Gaza’s Christian community as a “father’s anxiety for his children.” Father George Antone, head of the church’s emergency committee, remembered how the pope always sought to dispel fear. “He always reassured us that we should not be afraid,” he said. “He was with us, and he prayed for us.”

Gaza’s Christians, a tiny minority within an overwhelmingly Muslim society, could have easily been overlooked. But Pope Francis, despite their small numbers—less than 0.0001% of the world’s Catholic population—made them a priority. He could have called less frequently. He could have chosen not to call at all. But he didn’t.

Even when he was critically ill, the pope continued to make his daily calls. Father Romanelli recalled the last call, which took place on a Saturday, just days before the pope’s passing. It lasted less than a minute. “He was so sick but insisted on doing that call as usual,” said Romanelli.

Pope Francis’s calls to Gaza, particularly in the final years of his life, show the power of compassion and solidarity. His daily outreach, even in the face of illness and exhaustion, has left a lasting impression on those in Gaza. For Gaza’s Christian community, it’s a reminder that even in the darkest times, there’s always light to be found through the kindness and care of others.

Source: CNN – The pope called them every night until his final hours. Now, Gaza’s Christians cling to the hope he left behind

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The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching new extremes. As Israeli ground forces expand operations and redraw boundaries across the Strip, more than 400,000 Palestinians have been displaced in just three weeks, according to the United Nations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has issued 20 evacuation orders since mid-March, covering nearly two-thirds of Gaza, including all of Rafah. With entire neighborhoods deemed “no-go zones,” civilians have been pushed into overcrowded, makeshift camps along the Mediterranean coast — where tents now sit atop rubble and trash.

Faisal Jamal Faisal, a 30-year-old father, fled Al-Shujaiya with eight family members after repeated strikes hit nearby buildings.

“We don’t know where we’re going — we just walk,” he said. “My children have never known a normal life — no education, no play, no future.”

Abu Mohammad, 71, now blind and diabetic, summed up the mood from a crammed shelter in Gaza City:

“Life has no meaning or future. Even the past has been taken from us.”

Humanitarian access has nearly collapsed. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that food, water, medicine, and shelter are dwindling fast:

• No aid has entered Gaza for six weeks
• Bakeries have closed
• 37% of essential medicines and over 50% of cancer drugs are out of stock
• Water production has plummeted

Sanitation is also a critical issue. “You see tents even among piles of garbage,” said Hatem Abdulsalam from Gaza City, describing clouds of mosquitoes and insects overwhelming the camps.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz outlined a strategy aimed at creating a “buffer zone” by capturing large areas of Gaza and treating those who remain as combatants. Speaking from Gaza, he said:

“Many areas are being added to the State of Israel’s security zones, making Gaza smaller and more isolated.”

Israeli officials also suggested a long-term goal: encouraging the voluntary migration of Palestinians out of Gaza — echoing parts of former U.S. President Donald Trump’s controversial plan.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the White House that Israel was “enabling Gazans to freely choose where to go,” though Trump himself hasn’t actively pursued that vision publicly.

Israel ramped up the blockade in March to pressure Hamas into a new ceasefire deal, but progress has stalled. Even as Israeli forces declared parts of Hamas defeated, new rocket attacks were launched from southern Gaza this week.

UN human rights monitors reported at least 224 Israeli strikes on residential buildings and displacement tents since March 18, many of which killed only women and children. The UN continues to call for accountability and humanitarian access.

• Gaza’s livable area is shrinking fast
• Civilians are trapped between evacuation orders and airstrikes
• Aid is nearly non-existent, and hunger is rising
• Peace talks remain stalled, and violence continues

For many Gazans, hope is fading — and survival is now the only goal.

Source: CNN – Israel’s Gaza offensive pushes hundreds of thousands of Palestinians into an ever-shrinking bubble

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A wave of anger and defiance swept through the streets of Gaza on Saturday as mourners gathered for the funeral of 22-year-old Oday Nasser Al Rabay. The young protester was found lifeless outside his family home after allegedly being kidnapped, tortured, and executed—his relatives say—by members of Hamas.

His funeral turned into a rallying cry against Gaza’s rulers. Hundreds of mourners marched through the streets, their chants of “Hamas out!” echoing the very demonstrations Al Rabay had participated in. His murder marks the first known retaliatory killing since protests erupted last week across multiple locations in Gaza.

Hamas, the militant group that has controlled Gaza since 2007, has faced growing discontent. Protesters have taken to the streets, demanding change. But speaking out comes at a cost. A Gazan activist now exiled in Turkey, who has been sharing footage of the demonstrations online, claims he has received direct threats from senior Hamas officials.

Despite eyewitness accounts and video evidence, Hamas insists that the protests were directed at Israel, not at their own governance. Al Jazeera, a Qatari-owned media outlet, echoed this narrative. However, other Arabic media sources have reported that the protests were indeed aimed at Hamas.

As tensions escalate, Hamas leaders appear to be weighing their options. According to Israel’s public broadcaster Kan, some within the organization have expressed a willingness to release a few hostages in exchange for a truce during Eid al-Fitr, which begins on Sunday evening. This move could be an attempt to ease pressure and regain public favor amid rising unrest.

Meanwhile, Israeli military operations in Gaza have further constrained Hamas’ ability to suppress protests, limiting their reach and enforcement mechanisms.

Al Rabay’s killing has become a symbol of the risks faced by those who dare to challenge Hamas’ rule. As dissent grows and international attention turns to Gaza, one question remains: Will the people’s anger lead to meaningful change, or will Hamas tighten its grip even further?

Video: Hamas tortures, murders 22-year-old Gazan protest leader

Source: i24News – Family of slain Gazan protester blames Hamas for his death

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The death toll in Gaza has surpassed 50,000 since the war between Israel and Hamas began, according to the Gaza Health Ministry. As of Sunday, the ministry reported 50,021 fatalities, marking a grim milestone in a conflict with no clear end in sight.

The ministry recorded 41 more deaths in the past 24 hours, highlighting the ongoing devastation as Israel resumes its military operations. The United Nations and the health ministry state that the majority of those killed are women and children. However, thousands more are believed to be buried under the rubble, making the actual death toll potentially much higher.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), however, disputes the reported figures. In a statement to CNN, the IDF claimed that the Hamas-controlled ministry’s numbers contain “inconsistencies and false determinations,” suggesting that some deaths recorded may be unrelated to the conflict. The IDF emphasized its commitment to minimizing civilian casualties and adhering to international law.

The war reignited after a two-month ceasefire collapsed earlier this week. Tuesday’s airstrikes were among the deadliest since the conflict began, with over 400 Palestinians reportedly killed in a single day, according to Gaza’s health ministry. By Wednesday, Israeli forces had resumed ground operations in the enclave.

Israel launched its military campaign against Hamas on October 7, 2023, following a surprise attack by the militant group on southern Israel. That attack resulted in the deaths of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the taking of 251 hostages, according to Israeli authorities.

As violence escalates, Israeli officials have warned of an even harsher phase of military operations. Defense Minister Israel Katz has stated that Israel will maintain a permanent presence in certain areas of Gaza unless Hamas releases the hostages. On Friday, Katz instructed the military to “seize additional areas in Gaza while evacuating the population” and to “expand security zones around Gaza to protect Israeli communities and IDF soldiers.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reinforced this stance, stating, “This is just the beginning.”

The renewed conflict has intensified Gaza’s humanitarian crisis. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2 million residents have been displaced, and the healthcare system is in a state of collapse. Many hospitals have become battlegrounds, exacerbating the already dire situation. Meanwhile, a growing famine looms over parts of the territory, worsened by Israel’s recent blockade of humanitarian aid.

Attempts to reinstate the ceasefire have faltered. Hamas has remained firm on the terms of the agreement it signed with Israel in January, which included a phased withdrawal of Israeli forces and a permanent cessation of hostilities in exchange for the release of all hostages. The second phase of the ceasefire, meant to begin on March 1, never materialized.

Israel, citing Hamas’ rejection of mediation proposals from the U.S. and its continued threats, resumed its military offensive instead.

Israel acknowledges that many Palestinian civilians have been killed but disputes the accuracy of the health ministry’s figures, arguing that Hamas embeds itself within civilian areas, using non-combatants as “human shields.” However, both the United Nations and the U.S. State Department have stated that they believe the ministry’s figures to be largely accurate. Independent academic studies suggest that the true number of casualties may be even higher.

Due to restrictions on foreign journalists, CNN and other international media outlets cannot independently verify the reported death toll.

As the war intensifies, Gazans face an uncertain and devastating future. With no diplomatic resolution in sight, the region remains trapped in a cycle of violence, displacement, and humanitarian crisis.

Source: CNN – 50,000 killed in Gaza since start of Israel-Hamas war, health ministry says

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DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip (AP) — Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Thursday killed at least 58 Palestinians, including men, women, and children, as they slept in their homes, according to reports from three hospitals.

Renewed Fighting and Blockade Restoration

Late Thursday, the Israeli military reinstated a blockade on northern Gaza, including Gaza City, after temporarily easing restrictions in January. Authorities warned residents against using the territory’s main highway and stated that movement would only be permitted southward along the coastal road.

This escalation follows Israel’s resumption of heavy strikes on Tuesday, ending a ceasefire that had halted fighting and facilitated the release of over two dozen hostages. Israel attributed the renewed violence to Hamas, claiming the group rejected a newly proposed agreement.

Heavy Casualties as Strikes Target Homes

The Gaza Health Ministry reported over 400 Palestinian deaths on Tuesday alone, predominantly women and children. Meanwhile, there have been no reports of Hamas firing rockets or conducting attacks.

One of the deadliest airstrikes early Thursday hit the Abu Daqa family home in Abasan al-Kabira, near Khan Younis. The attack, occurring in an area the Israeli military had ordered evacuated, killed at least 16 people, including a father and his seven children. A month-old baby miraculously survived but lost both parents and a sibling.

“Another tough night,” said Hani Awad, a volunteer assisting in rescue efforts. “The house collapsed over the people’s heads.”

There has been no immediate comment from the Israeli military regarding these latest strikes. However, Israeli authorities maintain that their operations target militants, blaming Hamas for embedding within residential areas.

Israeli Ground Troops Push Forward

For the first time since January’s ceasefire, Israeli ground forces advanced into Gaza on Wednesday, seizing part of a key corridor that divides the northern third of the territory from the south.

Additionally, Israel has cut off food, fuel, and humanitarian aid to Gaza’s approximately 2 million residents, vowing to intensify operations until Hamas releases the remaining 59 hostages, 35 of whom are believed dead.

Hamas Demands and Ceasefire Breakdown

Hamas has stated that it will only release the remaining hostages in exchange for:

• A lasting ceasefire
• A full Israeli withdrawal from Gaza

The group, which does not recognize Israel’s existence, has expressed willingness to transfer governance to the Western-backed Palestinian Authority or an independent political committee but refuses to disarm until Israel ends its decades-long occupation.

‘A Bloody Night’ in Northern Gaza

The European Hospital in Rafah reported 36 bodies arriving after the strikes, mostly women and children. The Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received seven bodies and transferred four more to the European Hospital. In northern Gaza, the Indonesian Hospital reported 19 deaths following airstrikes in Beit Lahiya.

“It was a bloody night for the people of Beit Lahiya,” said Fares Awad, head of the Gaza Health Ministry’s emergency services. “The situation is catastrophic, and rescuers are still searching for survivors in the rubble.”

Beit Lahiya was heavily destroyed and largely depopulated during the war’s early phase. On Wednesday, an Israeli airstrike killed 17 mourners gathered for a funeral, according to health officials.

No End in Sight to the 17-Month War

The conflict began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas-led militants stormed southern Israel, killing approximately 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages.

Since then, Israeli forces have launched one of the deadliest military offensives in modern history, resulting in nearly 49,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. More than half of those killed have been women and children. Israel claims to have eliminated 20,000 militants but has not provided evidence.

The war has displaced nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, reducing much of the territory to rubble. While some civilians returned home during the ceasefire, many found their neighborhoods completely destroyed, with only fields of debris and bombed-out structures remaining.

With no clear resolution in sight, the humanitarian crisis deepens, leaving millions in Gaza struggling to survive as the conflict rages on.

Source: AP News – Israeli strikes across Gaza hit multiple homes, killing at least 58 Palestinians, medics say

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Qatar announced on Saturday that it has halted its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire, citing a lack of good-faith negotiations from both parties.

Majed Al-Ansari, spokesperson for Qatar’s Foreign Ministry, stated that Qatar informed both parties 10 days ago that if they couldn’t reach an agreement, it would suspend its mediation. “The State of Qatar notified the parties during the last attempts to reach an agreement that it would stall its efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel if an agreement was not reached in that round,” Al-Ansari said.

Qatar has played a central role in mediation for over a year, working to secure a ceasefire and arrange a hostage release deal—an objective highly prioritized by U.S. President Joe Biden. However, despite months of negotiations, both goals remain unresolved.

As part of its decision, Qatar has also closed Hamas’ political office in Doha. According to a diplomatic source familiar with the matter, Doha suspended the office about a week ago due to the stalled negotiations and lack of genuine willingness to engage from both sides. “The office won’t be operational, so [Hamas] may leave. The office could open again if talks restart,” the diplomat said. Although Hamas officials may leave Qatar, they have not been given a specific deadline.

U.S. and Qatari sources confirmed that the U.S. recently requested Qatar take this step, but a Qatari diplomatic source emphasized that the decision was made independently, not due to external pressure.

In response to media inquiries, the White House National Security Council declined to comment. However, a senior U.S. administration official had remarked on Friday, “After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, [Hamas] leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner.” The official praised Qatar’s past efforts in mediation, especially for helping secure the release of nearly 200 hostages last year, but expressed frustration at Hamas’ refusal to release any hostages in recent talks in Cairo.

A Hamas representative dismissed reports of their potential expulsion from Qatar as “baseless” and a “pressure tactic.”

Qatar’s decision to pause its mediator role follows recent tensions, including the death of Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Hamas’ rejection of another ceasefire proposal. The Hamas office in Doha may reopen if both parties return to the negotiating table with genuine intent to reach a peace agreement.

Earlier in April, Qatar had temporarily closed the Hamas office, leading officials to relocate to Turkey. At that time, requests from the Biden administration and Israel prompted Qatar to reopen the office to support renewed discussions.

Source

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