Senior US officials have indicated that Washington will no longer accept Hamas maintaining a political presence in Qatar. The decision follows the group’s rejection of recent proposals aimed at securing a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza.
According to reports shared with Reuters, the Qatari government was approached by the US 10 days ago to communicate to Hamas that they should vacate their political office. Hamas, which has had a base in Doha since 2012—allegedly permitted by the Obama administration to facilitate dialogue—denied the report to the BBC, while Qatar has yet to respond.
Qatar, known for its strategic geopolitical role and as host to a major US air base, has historically mediated sensitive negotiations involving various state and non-state actors. It played a significant role in peace talks related to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, which, despite US and Egyptian efforts, has seen no successful resolution so far.
The latest failure in mid-October saw Hamas reject a proposed temporary ceasefire, insisting on a full Israeli troop withdrawal from Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel has also been criticized, with former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant accusing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of rejecting a peace plan against the advice of military leaders.
Dr. H.A. Hellyer, of the Royal United Services Institute, believes Hamas’ expulsion from Qatar is probable, highlighting the rising urgency for the group to consider relocation options. If expelled, potential bases could include Turkey, which might offer diplomatic cover but less protection than Doha.
Concerns over Hamas leaders’ safety have increased after recent high-profile assassinations, including Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July and Yahya Sinwar in Gaza in October, underscoring Israel’s continued targeted strikes.
US officials have grown increasingly impatient with Israel’s strategy, warning of policy consequences should humanitarian aid not improve in Gaza. The relationship between President Joe Biden and Netanyahu has soured as Washington presses for better conditions for Palestinians amid warnings of severe humanitarian crises.
While former President Donald Trump, a potential 2025 administration leader, has previously signaled strong support for Israel’s military initiatives, reports suggest he has expressed a desire for conflict resolution before potentially taking office. Whether the current US strategy, aimed at influencing a peace deal through pressure on Hamas, will succeed remains uncertain, hinging on Qatar’s cooperation.
