Iruni Kalupahana, JadeTimes Staff
I. Kalupahana is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Israel-Gaza War
Washington's Stance on Hamas in Qatar
U.S. officials have reportedly instructed Qatar to close the political office of Hamas, marking a shift in Washington’s approach to the Palestinian group. This request follows Hamas’ rejection of a proposed short term ceasefire and hostage exchange in Gaza, frustrating U.S. efforts to stabilize the region. Hamas has operated out of Qatar since 2012, reportedly with initial support from the Obama administration to maintain diplomatic communication.
Qatar, a strategically important Gulf nation that hosts a major American air base, has often served as a mediator in complex negotiations involving Iran, Russia, and the Taliban. By asking Qatar to expel Hamas, the Biden administration seems to be trying to enforce pressure on Hamas to negotiate more constructively or face increasing isolation, a significant move in the final months of Biden's term.
Potential Relocation and Security Concerns
If Hamas is expelled from Qatar, the group faces limited and increasingly risky options for relocation. While Iran has been a key regional ally, recent assassinations of high profile Hamas leaders such as Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination in Tehran in July suggest heightened security concerns if they relocate there.
Turkey emerges as a more likely option, offering a NATO alliance and President Erdogan’s support. Last year, Erdogan hosted Hamas representatives in Istanbul to discuss humanitarian aid to Gaza and the broader peace process. Establishing a political base in Turkey would allow Hamas to operate with relative safety while maintaining diplomatic leverage.
However, Turkey's proximity to Israel and its NATO membership do not guarantee protection, as Israel has consistently shown a willingness to target Hamas leaders abroad, pushing the group to adopt a temporary, decentralized leadership model to reduce risks.
U.S. and Israeli Tensions over Gaza Policy
The Biden administration’s relationship with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has increasingly strained as both sides differ on the Gaza conflict. In October, U.S. Secretaries of State and Defense issued a warning that Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid to Gaza would have policy consequences if not addressed by mid November.
Reports from the United Nations describe Gaza’s situation as "apocalyptic," with famine conditions imminent in some areas. These concerns are fueling Washington’s pressure on Israel to reach a resolution, while some of Netanyahu’s security advisors have advocated for ceasefire deals only to be dismissed by the Israeli government.
As Biden's term nears its end, speculation grows over how a potential Donald Trump presidency might influence U.S. policy, given Trump’s past support for Israel, including relocating the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem and publicly endorsing Israel’s assertive actions in Gaza. This dynamic suggests that the current administration, wary of diminishing influence, may view pressing Hamas as a last effort to drive a peace agreement forward.
