Qatar could close Hamas political office in Doha: Reuters

MENA

Published: 2024-05-04 15:47

Last Updated: 2024-05-18 14:11


Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting with Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal (Doha, Qatar) (Oct. 17, 2016)
Emir of Qatar Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani meeting with Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh and Khaled Mashal (Doha, Qatar) (Oct. 17, 2016)

Qatar could close the Hamas’ Politburo office as part of a broader review of its role as a mediator in war between the Israeli Occupation Hamas, according to an official familiar with the Qatari government - cited by Reuters.

The official added that Qatar is considering if Hamas is to continue operating its political office in Doha, and to also whether to continue playing the role of a mediator between the two sides - which it has been doing for years and since the start of the aggression on Oct. 7, 2023.

"If Qatar isn’t going to be mediating, they won’t see a point in keeping the political office. So that is a part of the reassessment," the official said to Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Qatar’s decision would be influenced by the current process of negotiations between Hamas and the Israeli Occupation, which have shown signs of cautious progress in recent days.


Also Read: 'Qatar reassesses mediation efforts for Gaza crisis,' says Foreign Minister


In mid-April, Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Mohammed Al Thani said that his country is “evaluating its role as a mediator between Hamas and Israel” in the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.

Al Thani added that Qatar sees attempts by politicians to “undermine” Qatar’s mediation efforts for their own personal gain.

"We're evaluating the mediation [process] and all parties' engagement in It,” he added.

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