DOHA: Qatar could clo­se the political office of Hamas as part of a broader review of its role as a mediator in the Gaza crisis, according to an official familiar with the Qatari government’s reassessment.

The Gulf state was weighing whether to allow Hamas to continue operating the political office, and the broader review includes considering whet­her or not to continue mediating in the seven-month conflict, the official said.

Qatar said last month it was reevaluating its role as mediator in indirect talks between Israel and Hamas, citing concerns that its efforts were being undermined by politicians seeking to score points.

“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.

The official did not know if Hamas would be asked to leave Doha if the Qatari government did decide to close the group’s office. However, the official did say Qatar’s own review of its role would be influenced by how Israel and Hamas act during the ongoing negotiations.

In a report on Friday, The Washington Post cited an unnamed US official as saying Washington had told Doha to expel Hamas if the group continues to reject a ceasefire deal with Israel. Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political leaders since 2012 as part of an agreement with the US. Ismail Haniyeh, the group’s leader, lives in Doha and has travelled frequently, including to Turkiye, since Oct 7.

Qatar, an influential Gulf state that is designated as a major non-Nato ally by Washington, has come under criticism from within the United States and Israel over its ties to Hamas. Some US lawmakers have called on President Joe Biden’s administration to reevaluate its ties with Qatar if it does not pressure Hamas to make a deal to release prisoners. Others have urged Qatar to cut ties with Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also called for Qatar to pressure Hamas. Qatar and Israel do not have formal ties but their officials meet to discuss the mediation efforts.

Published in Dawn, May 5th, 2024