In a move that’s shaking up the Middle East landscape, Qatar’s giving Hamas the boot, at least according to some U.S. officials sharing the scoop with Al-Monitor. This all started when Hamas gave a thumbs down to a new proposal on releasing hostages—a big no-no in the eyes of international powwows.
Qatar, along with Egypt, has been playing peace broker between Israel and Hamas, trying to hash out a ceasefire and a hostage deal in Gaza. But the clock’s been ticking, and according to the State Department, Hamas said “nah” to the latest offer for a short truce. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza is dire, with 43,000 people killed in Israel’s protracted attack.
Qatar has been helpful in mediating the rescue of about 200 captives last year, according to several prominent figures in the Biden administration. However, given that they haven’t released a single one of the 101 captives that are still alive, it appears that Hamas’ theatrics have outlived their usefulness.
“It kind of came to a head,” a senior Biden official reportedly mentioned, “The ongoing refusal to budge on hostages sort of puts them on the outs. Places like Doha are not the seats for such behavior if they friend us.” Seems the US conveyed this sentiment to Qatar weeks back—it was less of a nudge and more of a firm “we need this done.”
Qatar isn’t new to the middleman game. They’ve been facilitating chats between the US and other countries and groups that are tough to reach otherwise. Hamas set up shop there after ditching Syria back in 2012, under the nod of Obama’s realm trying to keep some lines open for dialogue. But the winds are changing with the Biden team now squeezing Qatar to fold up Hamas’ tent there.
Opposition in Congress
On the other side, some voices in Congress weren’t feeling too hot about Qatar’s cozy corner with Hamas. A bipartisan group wrestled the Biden administration for a harder push—seems they’re tired of Doha’s hospitality for the Hamas headliners.
What’s next for the uprooted Hamas? A few U.S. insiders hinted they might pack their bags for Iran, which backs them with cash and gear or find sanctuary in Turkey, which has been known to roll out the welcome mat.
From Doha, Hamas top-brass Basem Naim played it coy, saying he’s got no clue about these reports. And as for the folks at the Qatari Embassy in D.C.? Their lips, it appears, are sealed tight.
So there it is—a shift in gear as the heat turns up in the Middle East chessboard. All eyes are now on where Hamas’ next play lands them.
