Qatar recently agreed to expel Hamas leaders from its capital, Doha, after persistent US pressure amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. According to CNN, US officials pushed Qatar to stop harboring Hamas leaders after several failed attempts to reach a ceasefire and secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. This decision comes as part of President Joe Biden’s broader effort to pause the conflict, which has been a top US priority.
“Hamas is a terrorist group that has killed Americans and continues to hold Americans hostage,” a senior US administration official told CNN, affirming the need to prevent the group’s leadership from receiving refuge in allied countries.
Throughout the conflict, Qatar has played a key role as a mediator in ceasefire negotiations due to the presence of Hamas leaders in Doha. However, after the tragic death of American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin and Hamas’ rejection of another ceasefire proposal, the US intensified its request for Qatar to expel the group’s leadership. Qatar officially issued Hamas a notice about one week ago.
While the timeline and destination for Hamas leaders’ relocation remain uncertain, sources suggest Turkey as a possible location, though the US has voiced reservations. This shift comes after years of diplomatic negotiations hosted in Doha aimed at stabilizing the Israel-Hamas situation, reflecting Qatar’s evolving stance on regional security dynamics.
