ALBAWABA - Despite rumors, a senior Hamas official said the organization had been "made aware" of a U.S. effort to remove it from Doha.
A Hamas source told Asharq Al-Awsat, “While there has been U.S. pressure on Qatar to push us out, the Qatari government has not formally requested that we leave.” The insider said, "This is recurring U.S. pressure to force Gaza ceasefire concessions."
Qatar has apparently withdrawn from negotiating a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release, according to AFP. An official said Qatar told Hamas that its Doha political office “no longer fulfills its purpose,” adding, “Without desire to discuss seriously, Qatar cannot continue its mediation function."
Qatar changed its position following Hamas's October 7, 2023 assault on Israel, prompting the U.S. request. The Times of Israel stated that the U.S. cautioned Qatar of challenges in doing “business as usual” with Hamas in Doha. According to an unidentified American official, Hamas leadership in Qatar is no longer acceptable. U.S. declassifications may lead to indictments against Qatari Hamas commander Khaled Mashal.
As Hamas struggles, sources say it may nominate Khalil al-Hayya to head its political bureau after the deaths of Yahya Sinwar and Ismail Haniyeh. Al-Hayya, Hamas' Gaza leader, is crucial to Gaza's future and Fatah peace talks.
Sources informed Asharq Al-Awsat that Hamas's leadership is gathering behind al-Hayya as the best choice to ensure continuity under present circumstances and the Israel war.
