In a significant shift in policy, senior US officials have indicated that Washington will no longer tolerate the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar. This decision follows accusations that the Palestinian group has consistently rejected proposals aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing a hostage agreement. Anonymous briefings provided to Reuters revealed that the Qatari government had agreed, approximately ten days ago, to instruct Hamas to close its political office in Doha.
Since 2012, Hamas has maintained a political base in Qatar at the request of previous US administrations, facilitating communication with the group. Despite these reports, Hamas officials have denied any such developments to the BBC, while Qatar has not yet issued an official comment.
Qatar holds a crucial position as a US ally within the region. It hosts a significant American air base and has mediated various delicate negotiations involving Iran, the Taliban, and Russia. In collaboration with the US and Egypt, Qatar has been involved in ongoing discussions aimed at brokering a ceasefire in the protracted conflict between Israel and Hamas. However, recent talks in mid-October failed to yield results, with Hamas rejecting short-term ceasefire proposals in favor of demanding an end to hostilities and withdrawal of Israeli troops from Gaza.
Experts suggest that the US’s push for Hamas’s expulsion from Qatar may be an effort by the Biden administration to secure a peace agreement before leaving office.
Should Hamas be forced to relocate its political operations from Doha, potential alternatives include Iran or Turkey. While Iran could provide support, recent events—including the assassination of former leader Ismail Haniyeh—raise concerns about safety there. A more viable option may be Turkey, where President Erdoğan previously hosted Hamas leaders for discussions on humanitarian aid and peace processes.
The growing concern surrounding the safety of Hamas leadership is intensified by recent assassinations of key figures within the group. Analysts warn that relocating may not offer sufficient protection against potential Israeli strikes.
As frustration mounts among US officials regarding Israel’s handling of the conflict, Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin have warned that failure to increase humanitarian aid could lead to policy repercussions for Israel. Simultaneously, reports describe dire conditions in northern Gaza as “apocalyptic,” with humanitarian organizations predicting imminent famine.
Looking forward, tensions between President Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have escalated as Washington presses for improved humanitarian conditions for Palestinians. However, experts caution that negotiations may remain stymied by entrenched positions on both sides.
The outcome of this evolving situation depends significantly on whether Qatar will comply with US demands regarding Hamas. With potential shifts in future US leadership looming on the horizon, including speculation about Donald Trump’s return to power, it remains uncertain how these dynamics will play out in reshaping regional alliances and policies.
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