Hosting exiled Hamas leaders for years, Qatar has been a key mediator in talks to end the war in Gaza. Facing deadlock, it has now sent a warning to those leaders, U.S. and Israeli officials said.

Qatar has told Hamas that it will no longer host its political office unless the militant group and Israel engage in constructive and meaningful talks. The Gulf country will stop trying to mediate a ceasefire deal until Hamas and Israel "demonstrate a sincere willingness to return to the negotiating table with the objective of putting an end to the war and the suffering of civilians",

Qatar has withdrawn as a key mediator for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage deal and warned Hamas that its Doha office ‘no longer serves its purpose’, a diplomatic source has said. The country has also told the terror group to leave the country,