On October 7, 2023, it became widely known that Hamas leaders resided comfortably in Qatar, 2,000 kilometers away from Gaza, hosted by Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, was in Qatar when he received news of Israel’s strike in Gaza that claimed the lives of three of his sons and four grandchildren. Israel later targeted him with a missile during his visit to Tehran in July 2024.
The strike on the Hamas political leadership headquarters in Doha by Israel, a key U.S. ally, drew criticism from Western capitals, focusing on the location rather than the targets. Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned the attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, while the White House spokesperson expressed concern over the attack’s location.
Qatar, a country with a small citizen population compared to its residents and guest workers, hosts not only Hamas but also the U.S. military’s Central Command near where Hamas leaders reside. Qatar strategically positioned itself as a mediator in various conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas relations, with explicit support from the U.S. and Israel.
Despite the attack, the Biden administration did not pressure Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, and Qatar continued its mediation efforts. Qatar played a significant role in Israeli hostage negotiations, urging Hamas to accept ceasefire proposals. Israel’s complex relationship with Qatar, especially regarding financial support to Hamas, has drawn criticism from various parties, including the Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia.
The surprise attack by Israel is likely to prompt Qatar to reassess its role as a mediator, potentially leading to the relocation of Hamas leadership to other countries, complicating future negotiations. Meanwhile, Netanyahu’s political motives and goals have come into question, with concerns raised about his commitment to sustainable peace efforts.
In summary, Israel’s recent strike on Hamas leadership in Qatar has raised questions about the future of mediation efforts and the political dynamics surrounding the conflict in the region.