Will Qatar Really Close Palestinian Resistance “Hamas” Offices in Doha?

Qatar recently clarified that it has not withdrawn from its role as mediator between Hamas and Israel in efforts to secure a prisoner exchange and ceasefire in Gaza. However, it stated that negotiations are currently paused until both parties demonstrate genuine commitment to an agreement.

The spokesperson for Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Majed Al-Ansari, released a statement countering recent reports suggesting that Qatar has abandoned its mediation efforts. He explained that Qatar had informed both parties ten days prior that it would suspend mediation if no agreement was reached in the latest negotiation round. Al-Ansari emphasized that Qatar is ready to resume its efforts with its partners as soon as both sides exhibit seriousness about ending the violent conflict and addressing Gaza’s escalating humanitarian crisis.

Al-Ansari also addressed reports on the potential closure of Hamas offices in Doha, stating that the reports were inaccurate. He affirmed that the primary function of the Hamas office in Qatar is to serve as a communication channel between concerned parties, which has previously facilitated ceasefire agreements at various stages.

Denial of Qatar’s Alleged Compliance with U.S. Pressure to Expel Hamas

A senior Hamas official similarly denied reports that Qatar has agreed to close Hamas offices and expel its leaders from Doha. In a statement to CNN, the official dismissed these reports as “baseless” and a “pressure tactic,” noting that similar rumors have circulated in the past without evidence. The official asserted, “The Israeli media claims about Qatar agreeing to expel Hamas from Doha at U.S. request are unsubstantiated and are simply pressure tactics that lack any concrete proof.”

Reports emerged earlier from global news agencies quoting an unnamed Qatari diplomatic source, claiming that Qatar had ceased mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel and that the Hamas office in Doha no longer served a purpose. A source speaking to Reuters indicated that Qatar’s suspension of mediation would continue until both Hamas and Israel show genuine willingness to engage in productive negotiations.

In a separate report, Agence France-Presse quoted an insider stating, “Qatar has informed both Israelis and Hamas that without a sincere commitment to negotiations, Qatar cannot continue to mediate. Consequently, the Hamas office has lost its practical role.” Additionally, an Egyptian official told the Associated Press that Qatar could likely resume its efforts if both sides demonstrate serious political intent toward an agreement.

U.S. Pressure on Qatar Regarding Hamas’ Presence

A senior official in the Biden administration revealed that the U.S. recently communicated to Qatar its opposition to the continued presence of Hamas leaders in Doha after the group declined a recent proposal for a prisoner exchange in Gaza. The U.S. official, speaking to Reuters, mentioned that Qatar relayed this request to Hamas leadership roughly ten days ago.

Furthermore, members of the U.S. Senate have reportedly submitted a formal request to U.S. agencies for the extradition of senior Hamas leader Khaled Mashal.