Qatar has reportedly agreed to expel Hamas from its territory at the request of the United States.
According to CNN, US officials informed Qatari leaders around two weeks ago that they should no longer offer Hamas refuge in Doha. Qatar reportedly complied, notifying Hamas about a week ago of its decision.
“Hamas is a terrorist organization that has killed Americans and continues to hold American citizens hostage,” a senior US official stated to CNN. “After refusing multiple proposals to release hostages, its leaders should not be welcome in any American ally’s capital.”
However, a senior Hamas official denied the reports, calling them baseless and a form of pressure, pointing out that similar claims had circulated previously without verification.
“What was reported in Israeli media about Qatar’s agreement to expel Hamas officials following a US request is unfounded and merely a pressure tactic,” the official told CNN.
CNN highlighted that Qatar has been instrumental in negotiating peace efforts over the past year due to senior Hamas members’ presence in Doha, where several rounds of negotiations have been held.
Fox News Digital adds that Qatar has grown increasingly frustrated by the political exploitation surrounding the Gaza peace talks, asserting that they informed Hamas officials of their position without US intervention.