Qatar's Gaza Gamble Succeeds

Qatar faced criticism over its meditation between Israel and Hamas, but after more than a year of war in Gaza, the tiny emirate emerged a winner after it announced a ceasefire deal.

The joint meditation was carried out with the United States and Egypt but centred on the small, gas-rich peninsula which is home to 3 million people.

Qatar hosts Hamas's political office, giving it the unique access to the group - but also fuelling accusations that it supports the Palestinian militants, which Doha has always denied.

During the meditation, Qatar was hit by criticism from US and Israeli lawmakers and a shadowy influence campaign including billboards in New York's Times Square targeting the Gulf state's rulers.

Two months after pausing its role as a mediator, Qatar announced a six-week truce and hostage and prisoner exchange, with hopes of sealing a permanent ceasefire.