Hamas Considers Relocating Leadership from Qatar Amid Growing Distrust with Negotiators

An Arab mediator has revealed to an American newspaper that distrust is growing between Hamas and negotiators, as the Palestinian militant group considers relocating its political leadership outside of Qatar. This development comes in response to increasing pressure from U.S. Congress members on Doha regarding its mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas.

The Hamas leadership has been based in Doha, the Qatari capital, since 2012 under an arrangement supported by the United States. However, if Hamas decides to leave Qatar, it could disrupt delicate talks aimed at securing the release of dozens of Israeli hostages held captive in Gaza. It would also make it more challenging for Israel and the U.S. to communicate with the group, which is designated as a terrorist organization by Washington.

According to the report, Hamas leaders have been in talks with two Arab countries, including Oman, as potential new locations for their political headquarters. The growing distrust between Hamas and the negotiators stems from the current outline for a hostage deal, which Hamas finds unacceptable.

Why this matters: The potential relocation of Hamas' political leadership from Qatar could have significant implications for the ongoing negotiations between Israel and the militant group. It may further complicate efforts to secure the release of Israeli hostages and maintain open communication channels between the parties involved.

Qatar's Prime Minister has announced that the country is re-examining its position as a mediator between Israel and Gaza, stating that their role is being misused by politicians. The release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, in which Qatar serves as a central mediator, is at risk of collapsing if the Hamas leadership leaves the country.

The Qatari government has also rebuked U.S. Congressman Steny Hoyer's criticism of Qatar's mediation efforts, emphasizing that blaming and threatening the mediator is not constructive. Qatar has defended its role in the negotiations, stating that it was asked by the U.S. in 2012 to play this role since Israel and Hamas refuse to speak to each other directly.

The article mentions that around 129 hostages are currently held in Gaza, and Hamas took more than 250 hostages when it attacked Israel on October 7, 2023, killing approximately 1,200 people in the southern part of the country.

The growing distrust between Hamas and the negotiators, coupled with the potential relocation of Hamas' political leadership, threatens to derail the already strained negotiations between Israel and the militant group. As an Arab mediator warned, "The possibility of the talks being completely upended is very real, and Hamas leaders would face threats of expulsion if they do not agree to a hostage deal."

Key Takeaways

• Hamas considers relocating political leadership from Qatar due to U.S. pressure.
• Relocation could disrupt hostage release talks between Israel and Hamas.
• Hamas in talks with Oman and another Arab country for new headquarters.
• Qatar re-examining its role as mediator warns of talks collapsing if Hamas leaves.
• Around 129 hostages held in Gaza, and Hamas took over 250 in recent attack.