Tue Nov 19 13:06:02 UTC 2024: ## Qatar Denies Closure of Hamas Political Office in Doha
**DOHA, Qatar –** Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has denied reports that it has permanently closed the Hamas political office in Doha. Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari stated on Tuesday that the office’s function is solely to facilitate mediation efforts in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, and its current inactivity is due to a standstill in those negotiations.
Al-Ansari confirmed that the office was not permanently closed, countering previous reports citing a U.S. request for its expulsion. He emphasized that any decision regarding the office’s future would be announced directly by the Qatari government, urging against speculation.
Qatar has been actively involved in mediation efforts alongside the United States and Egypt for months, but these attempts have so far proven unsuccessful. Al-Ansari noted that Hamas leaders involved in the negotiations are currently traveling between various capitals. Earlier this month, Qatar temporarily suspended its mediation efforts, citing a lack of commitment from both Hamas and Israel to resume talks on a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
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