Qatar’s suspension of its mediation between Israel and Hamas, as well as reports that the terror group may be expelled from the Gulf state, comes down to American pressure on the Gulf state and objections to Hamas’s emerging leadership
Qatari officials confirmed notifying Israel and Hamas that Doha was suspending its efforts to mediate a ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Less clear is Hamas’s future in Qatar with conflicting reports that Doha had or would expel Hamas.
Without Qatari backing, Hamas will lose a key regional patron and struggle to maintain its weakening grip on the Gaza Strip.
A veteran Qatari journalist close to Doha’s ruling circles told The Press Service of Israel that while it’s not clear if Hamas will eventually be kicked out, the fact that people are talking about it is significant. He told TPS-IL that the real issue is Washington’s objections to Khalil al-Hayya, a deputy of Yahya Sinwar who is on track to become Hamas’s supreme leader.