Qatar is working to leverage the ceasefire between Israel and Iran to restart stalled negotiations on the Gaza conflict, with officials confirming that discussions are underway with both Hamas and Israeli representatives.

Doha Sees a Diplomatic Window

Qatari foreign ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said Wednesday that his country has renewed contact with all sides involved in the Gaza war, aiming to “convince [Israel and Hamas] to get into talks again.” He emphasized that the fragile ceasefire between Iran and Israel has “created momentum,” but warned the situation remains uncertain: “We’re not out of the woods yet.”

The remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump said the U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites could help secure a breakthrough in Gaza, claiming he was “very close” to sealing a deal.

“This is the time now for President Trump to push for it, and we believe he is sincere about it,” Al Ansari told CNN’s Becky Anderson. “We are willing to help on that.”

Tehran’s Missile Strike Raises Concerns

Complicating the diplomatic atmosphere, Iran responded to the U.S. strikes with a missile attack on a U.S. base in Qatar—an unprecedented move that caused no damage. Speculation arose over whether the strike was coordinated with Doha as a deliberate off-ramp from escalation.

Al Ansari denied any collaboration, calling the strike a “surprise” despite pre-existing intelligence on possible threats. “It was unprecedented and we did not expect the Iranians to do this at the time that we are helping them,” he said, calling the attack “a scar on the relationship” with Iran.