Qatar has demanded that Hamas officials inside the country leave in short order, seemingly out of frustration for the terrorist group’s latest rejection of a ceasefire deal with Israel, according to multiple reports.
For the last year, Hamas has turned down several ceasefire proposals put forward jointly by Israel, the U.S. and other Arab partners in the Middle East. Hamas recently rejected yet another ceasefire deal, prompting the U.S. to tell Qatar — which has served as a host nation for Hamas officials — that it is unacceptable that the terrorist group stay in the country any longer, according to Reuters.
Qatar then relayed the message and warned the terrorist group roughly 10 days ago that they must leave the country, according to Reuters.
Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Affairs Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken shake hands during a joint press conference in Doha on October 24, 2024. (Photo by KARIM JAAFAR/AFP via Getty Images)
Israeli media outlets reported similar revelations early on Friday, though none of the reports have yet been confirmed by the Israeli, U.S. or Qatari governments. Qatar reportedly told Hamas that they are “not welcome here,” one source told Israeli outlet KAN.
The ousting of Hamas from Qatar is the latest blow the terrorist group has been dealt over the last year. Hamas’ capabilities have been significantly degraded by Israeli forces following the terrorist group’s invasion of Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, which prompted swift retaliation and sparked an ongoing war in Gaza.
Hamas political officials have long maintained a presence in Qatar. The country maintains a difficult balancing act between being a Western ally, while also keeping a relationship with American adversaries such as Iran.
Qatar has also served as the locus point for ceasefire negotiations between Hamas and Israel, with mediators from the U.S., Egypt and Jordan.
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