The conflict between Israel and Hamas dates back to 2007, when Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip from the Palestinian Authority which is led by President Mahmoud Abbas and his Fatah party. Since then, Israel has imposed a blockade on Gaza, restricting the movement of people and goods in and out of the territory citing security reasons. Hamas, which is considered a terrorist organization by Israel, the US, and the EU, has been firing rockets and launching attacks on Israel demanding an end to the blockade and the recognition of its rule in Gaza. Several rounds of violence and wars have erupted between the two sides, causing thousands of casualties and widespread destruction.

The latest round of violence started on October 7, 2023 when Hamas launched a cross-border attack on Israel killing at least 1,200 people and taking about 240 hostages . Israel responded with a military campaign and a siege on Gaza, where more than 15,500 people have been killed, according to Hamas. The international community has been calling for an immediate ceasefire and a humanitarian intervention as the situation in Gaza has deteriorated to a humanitarian crisis with shortages of food, water, electricity, and medical supplies .

The conflict has also sparked protests and clashes in the West Bank, Jerusalem, and Israel, where Palestinians and Israeli Arabs have expressed their solidarity with Gaza and their anger at Israel’s policies . The conflict has also affected the relations and the dynamics among the regional and international actors who have different agendas and perspectives on the conflict .

Qatar, which has close ties with Hamas and provides humanitarian and development aid to Gaza, has been involved in the mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas since the outbreak of the war. Qatar has been working with Egypt, Turkey and the US, which are also........

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