Qatar said Saturday that it had paused mediation efforts for a cease-fire deal in the Gaza Strip, announcing in a statement that it would resume its role helping broker an agreement only when the parties,

Qatar announced Saturday that it has paused its role as a mediator for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and Hamas due to a lack of willingness by the sides to reach an agreement.

Qatar said it has expressed that its mediation can only be effective if both parties exhibit a sincere interest in reaching a deal.