DOHA: The United States (US) demanded that Qatar expel the leadership of Hamas.
The demand follows the group’s refusal to accept a US-mediated agreement aimed at facilitating the release of Israeli hostages.
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The latest incident is one of many in escalating tensions surrounding the ongoing conflict and the involvement of regional actors in the negotiation process.
According to reports, the US conveyed a ‘definitive’ message to the Qatari authorities, stating that the presence of Hamas leaders in Doha was unacceptable.
The group dismissed new ceasefire proposal, while the US accused Hamas of failing to engage ‘meaningfully’ in discussions for release of the hostages.
A senior US official disclosed that a communication was sent to Qatar “several days ago”, calling for the expulsion of Hamas leaders after the US rejected recent proposals concerning the group’s activities.
The US official reportedly stated that Hamas’s presence in the capital of any US ally was unacceptable, particularly given the group’s repeated rejection of negotiations and at securing the hostages’ release.
Reports indicate that Qatar previously informed Hamas about ten days ago that it was time to close the group’s political office in Doha, following their dismissal of the proposals put forth by the US.
However, three senior Hamas leaders denied any knowledge of a demand to leave Qatar from the authorities.
The Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs has yet to respond to the inquires for confirmation or comment.
The most recent round of negotiations held in Doha mid-October concluded without any progress. Many blame Hamas for rejecting a proposed temporary ceasefire. However, no one has commented on the contents of the proposal itself.
The United States holds a firm stance against Hamas, having always supported its long-time ally, Israel. US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken made it clear to regional allies, including Qatar, that ‘normalising’ relations with Hamas was “not feasible”.
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Qatar has played the role of mediator in local Middle Eastern and wider global conflicts for years now. It also has emerged as a prominent non-NATO ally and a key US partner in the oil-rich Gulf region.
Qatar allowed Hamas to establish a political office in Doha in 2012, with consent and facilitation even, of the US.