Amidst the escalating tensions in West Asia, Qatar has issued an ultimatum to Hamas leaders, demanding they leave the country. This decisive action stems from mounting pressure from the United States, which is actively seeking a ceasefire deal in the ongoing conflict. Senior US officials have confirmed that Qatar’s warning to Hamas followed Washington’s declaration that the militant group’s refusal to release Israeli hostages rendered their presence in the Gulf state ‘unviable’.
This development marks a significant shift in Qatar’s long-standing policy, as the country has served as a haven for Hamas’s top brass for over a decade. According to Reuters, the request to leave was made approximately 10 days after intense discussions between Qatari and US officials. Doha’s role as a key intermediary in the hostage negotiations between Israel and Hamas became paramount following Hamas’s October 7 attack in southern Israel, which triggered an all-out war in Gaza.
A US official, speaking on condition of anonymity, disclosed that following Hamas’s repeated rejection of proposals to release hostages, the US has communicated to Qatar that Hamas leaders should no longer be welcome in any country that is a US partner. This stance was conveyed to Qatar after Hamas dismissed another hostage release proposal weeks ago. Furthermore, the US has been in active communication with Qatar regarding the closure of Hamas’s political office in the country.
This decisive action comes in the wake of Hamas’s latest rejection of a ceasefire-hostage deal. On Friday, Qatar conveyed its message to Hamas in no uncertain terms: ‘You are not welcome here’, as reported by The Jerusalem Post. It’s worth noting that Qatar has hosted Hamas’s political office in its capital since 2012, after the Syrian civil war compelled the Palestinian group to relocate its base from Damascus. Interestingly, it was the US that initially requested the oil-rich state to establish a channel of communication with Hamas.
Meanwhile, a source familiar with the matter has informed The Financial Times that Hamas leaders based in Qatar are expected to relocate to Turkey, another staunch ally of the Palestinian group. Turkey has served as a haven for Hamas political operatives since the commencement of the war in Gaza. Moreover, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been a vocal advocate for the militant group. However, the Turkish foreign ministry has not responded to reports regarding the relocation of Hamas leaders.
Doha has diligently played the role of mediator since the outbreak of the war. However, the country faced intense scrutiny over its close ties with Hamas, prompting questions about its neutrality. In April of this year, Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani acknowledged that Doha was re-evaluating its role as a mediator.
An Arab diplomat has revealed that Hamas officials have embarked on a series of visits to countries including Turkey, Iran, Algeria, and Mauritania to explore relocation possibilities, as reported by The Financial Times. The diplomat asserted, ‘Qatar hosted Hamas leaders in the first place after they got a green light from the Americans. It’s logical to try to get rid of them when the US position changes.’
This latest development underscores the complex geopolitical landscape surrounding the ongoing conflict in West Asia and the shifting allegiances and priorities of key players in the region. As the situation evolves, the implications of Qatar’s decision to sever ties with Hamas leaders remain to be fully understood, but it is evident that the international community is actively seeking a resolution that prioritizes peace and stability.
