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.

DOHA/CAIRO (Reuters) -Qatar will stop trying to mediate a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal until Hamas and Israel are willing to resume talks, an official briefed on the matter said, while also casting doubt on the continued presence of Hamas' political office in Doha.

FM clarifies its mediation efforts will resume when both parties show “willingness and seriousness” to negotiate