Watan-In response to the reports circulating about the possibility of the political leaders of Hamas leaving Doha, Qatar announced today, Tuesday, that the Hamas office will remain present with them, as long as its presence contributes to the ongoing mediation efforts between Palestinians and Israelis in the Gaza war.
The Gulf state, which has hosted the political office of the Palestinian Islamic movement since 2012 with the blessing of the United States, plays the role of mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire accompanied by the release of prisoners.
Qatar: Hamas office remains in Doha
Several Western media outlets, including Reuters, quoted Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majid Al-Ansari as saying in a press conference: “As long as they are here in Doha (Hamas), as we have always said, their presence is useful and positive in these mediation efforts, so they will remain here.”
If Hamas leaves Qatar, this move could disrupt sensitive talks to release dozens of Israeli prisoners held in Gaza.
It is likely to make it difficult for Israel and America to convey messages to a group classified by Washington as a “terrorist organization.” Hamas leaders have been living in Doha, the Qatari capital, since 2012 in an arrangement supported by the United States.
Erdogan steps in
According to a Reuters report, Al-Ansari added at a press conference that Qatar remains committed to mediation but is reassessing its role amid “our frustration with the attacks against Qatar.”
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Tuesday that he does not believe Hamas will leave Qatar, where it is headquartered, adding that he also has not seen any indications of Doha’s desire for the movement to depart.
According to Reuters, Erdogan was returning from Iraq when reporters accompanying him on the plane asked about the accuracy of media reports indicating that Hamas might leave Qatar or that Doha might request it to do so.
Erdogan said he has not seen any indication of Qatar’s leadership wanting Hamas to leave. Turkey, which has previously hosted prominent Hamas leaders on its soil, condemns Israel for its aggression against Gaza and calls for a cessation of hostilities.
Erdogan met with Hamas
Two days ago, Erdogan met with Hamas Political Bureau Chief Ismail Haniyeh in Istanbul and reaffirmed his support for Gaza and Palestinian resistance.
According to a text of Erdogan’s comments released by his office, the Turkish president said, “The important thing is not where the leaders of Hamas are located, but rather the situation in Gaza.”
He added, “Qatar’s sincerity towards them (Hamas) and their stance towards Qatar has always been like that of family members. In the coming period, I don’t think it is possible at all for them to change this approach.”
These statements come after leaks reported by The Wall Street Journal, confirming Hamas leaders’ efforts to relocate their political headquarters from Qatar.
While Al-Ansari denied these allegations, he said in response to these alleged reports: “As long as Qatari mediation efforts continue, there is no justification for ending Hamas’s presence in the country.”