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Hamas has operated a political base in Doha since 2012, reportedly with Obama administration support. |
Reports indicate that Qatar has stepped down from mediating ceasefire and hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas. This development follows alleged comments from senior U.S. officials suggesting that Washington would no longer permit Hamas representatives in Qatar, attributing this to Hamas’s rejection of new proposals aimed at halting the Gaza conflict.
Unnamed diplomatic sources have shared with AFP and Reuters that Hamas’s political office in Doha has “lost its purpose” due to a perceived lack of “good faith” in negotiations. However, the sources added that Qatar remains open to resuming its role if both Israel and Hamas show genuine commitment to discussions.
Hamas Presence in Doha Under Review
Hamas has operated from Doha since 2012, reportedly with support from the Obama administration. According to anonymous briefings to Reuters, Qatari officials agreed to inform Hamas about closing their office approximately ten days ago. Hamas officials have since denied these claims.
A key U.S. ally in the region, Qatar has previously mediated complex political dialogues involving Iran, the Taliban, and Russia. Alongside the U.S. and Egypt, Qatar has played a significant role in past, albeit unsuccessful, negotiations to achieve a ceasefire in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.
Evidence suggests a cooling of the Qatar-Hamas relationship. Following the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, Hamas held a small mourning service in Doha, contrasting sharply with a recent larger ceremony held for another leader, Ismail Haniyeh.
The most recent talks in October ended without a deal, as Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire offer, insisting on an end to hostilities and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. Reports indicate Israel has also turned down various proposals. Outgoing U.S. officials see expelling Hamas from Qatar as an effort to push for a resolution before President Biden’s term ends.
If expelled from Qatar, it’s uncertain where Hamas might relocate. Turkey appears to be a probable option, given its NATO status, Sunni majority, and previous hosting of Hamas leaders, which might allow Hamas a base with relative security.
Safety concerns have risen among Hamas leadership, with two leaders reportedly assassinated within four months. H A Hellyer, a senior fellow at RUSI, stated that no location could offer Hamas the same level of protection against Israeli strikes as Doha, where the U.S. has its largest regional military base.
The U.S. has reportedly grown increasingly frustrated with Israel's approach to the conflict. In October, U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense warned Israel of potential policy consequences if humanitarian aid was not allowed into Gaza. With a deteriorating Biden-Netanyahu relationship, the White House appears to be pressing for a more humane approach and negotiated settlement.
With a potential Trump presidency on the horizon, U.S. policy toward the Israel-Gaza conflict may see further shifts. Trump previously advocated for an Israeli-led approach in Gaza and took actions supportive of Israel, including moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem. He has reportedly communicated to Netanyahu his desire to see an end to the conflict before his potential return to office.
The current U.S. administration's leverage over Israel appears to be diminishing, leaving Washington's strategy to possibly pressure Hamas through allies like Qatar.
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