Between Hamas Leaving Qatar and Denial.. Diplomatic Crisis Looms Between Them

Between Hamas Leaving Qatar and Denial.. Diplomatic Crisis Looms Between Them
American pressure on Qatar appears to be increasing to reduce Hamas's influence in the region, which could affect the future of Palestinian file negotiations
November 9, 2024, 5:10 pm

قطر وحماس

Hamas dismissed today, Saturday, reports about its expulsion from Qatar, considering these news within the framework of "tactics and pressure," according to CNN News Network, at a time when the region is witnessing an escalation in diplomatic tensions.

A senior Hamas official emphasized that "what was reported in Israeli media about Qatar agreeing to expel Hamas from Doha based on an American request has no basis and is merely pressure tactics. This has been repeated without any evidence," recalling previous attempts to distort the relationship between the movement and Doha.

A diplomatic source revealed Qatar's withdrawal from its role as main mediator in efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement in Gaza and release detainees, indicating that Doha notified Hamas that its office there "no longer serves its purpose," in a development reflecting a potential shift in the regional political scene.

The source, who preferred anonymity, explained that "the Qataris informed both Israelis and Hamas that as long as there was a refusal to negotiate an agreement in good faith, they wouldn't be able to continue mediation. Consequently, Hamas's political office no longer serves its purpose," suggesting a possible radical change in future negotiation mechanisms.

Political analysts reviewed Qatar's pivotal role in recent years as a key regional mediator, pointing to its success in completing numerous agreements and understandings between various parties.

While Axios revealed a senior U.S. administration official informing Doha of Washington's rejection of Hamas's presence on its territory, three movement officials opposed these claims, confirming they hadn't received any request to leave Qatar, in a position reflecting clear divergence in circulating narratives.

These developments coincided with intense international efforts to revive the peace process, as President Joe Biden's administration prepares for a final attempt to stop the conflict in Gaza and Lebanon, while American, Egyptian, and Qatari mediation efforts continued for months seeking an agreement to stop the war and ensure the release of Israeli detainees in Gaza since last October 7.

Talks stalled after the Israeli side rejected military withdrawal from the Strip weeks ago, despite Hamas agreeing to a version of a ceasefire proposal revealed by Biden last May, raising questions about parties' seriousness in reaching a solution.

Levant-Agencies

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