US officials have confirmed that Qatar has agreed to expel Hamas officials from its capital, Doha, following a direct request from the Biden administration.
The decision, made over a week ago, marks a significant change in Qatar’s longstanding relationship with the Palestinian militant group, which has been based in Doha since 2012.
US officials stated that Hamas moved its headquarters to Doha after leaving Damascus in 2012 due to the Syrian civil war. Since then, Qatar has become a central diplomatic hub for Hamas, with the US encouraging the Gulf nation to act as a communication channel with the group.
However, the recent escalation in violence has prompted the US to reassess its position on Qatar’s ties with Hamas.
US officials informed Qatar following the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel that the previous approach could no longer be sustained. While the administration initially hesitated to ask for the closure of Hamas’s office in Doha, recognising the importance of Qatar’s role in facilitating ceasefire talks and hostage negotiations, that stance shifted in light of recent developments.
The ceasefire negotiations, led by Qatar, produced a temporary, week-long deal in November last year, but these efforts have not resulted in a permanent solution. The remaining hostages, including several American and Israeli citizens, continue to be held by Hamas.
The US reassessed its position after Hamas executed American-Israeli hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, along with five other captives, in late August. This act, combined with Hamas’s continued rejection of ceasefire proposals, led the Biden administration to conclude that Qatar’s continued hosting of Hamas officials was no longer acceptable.
US officials emphasised that the execution of the hostages, along with the group’s refusal to negotiate, made it clear that Hamas’s presence in Qatar could no longer be justified.
A senior officer emphasised that Hamas’s actions had become “no longer viable or acceptable,” which led to the decision to expel the group.
In addition to this, the US unsealed indictments against several Hamas leaders, including Khaled Meshaal, one of the group’s top figures who reside in Doha. These legal actions further reinforced the administration’s stance that Qatar could no longer host Hamas officials.
US officials also pointed out that Hamas’s failure to engage in constructive negotiations regarding the hostages and its insistence on conditions that would allow it to maintain control over Gaza were non-starters for both the US and Israel.
A second senior US official noted that this made it clear Hamas’s leaders should no longer be welcomed in any country aligned with the US.
The US officially asked Qatar to expel Hamas two weeks ago, and Qatar complied, notifying Hamas by October 28.
However, the exact timeline for the expulsion and the destination of the Hamas officials remain unclear at this point.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office has called for further measures, urging Qatar to freeze Hamas officials’ bank accounts and seize their assets. While Qatar has not yet officially confirmed the expulsion, it has repeatedly indicated that it would comply with a formal US request to remove Hamas from its territory.
Despite criticism from some US lawmakers, particularly Republicans, who argue that Qatar failed to apply enough pressure on Hamas, the Biden administration has defended Qatar’s role as a mediator. US officials emphasise that Qatar’s diplomatic efforts have been crucial in facilitating dialogue in Gaza and other regional conflicts.
As Qatar prepares to sever ties with Hamas, Egypt is expected to take on a more prominent role as a mediator. With its border proximity to Gaza and established channels with Hamas leadership, Egypt is likely to become a key player in future negotiations between Hamas and the international community.
The US administration remains focused on securing a deal for the release of all remaining hostages, and officials are optimistic that the combination of Hamas’s expulsion from Qatar, US sanctions, and continued diplomatic efforts will bring the group to the negotiating table.
Looking ahead, US officials believe that these increased pressures could lead to a lasting ceasefire agreement. However, it remains uncertain what role Qatar will play in the future, given its decision to expel Hamas.
