On October 7, 2023, a revelation emerged that Hamas leaders resided comfortably in Qatar, 2,000 kilometers away from Gaza, under the hospitality of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was in Qatar when he received the tragic news that Israel had targeted and killed three of his sons and four grandchildren in a Gaza strike. Israel later targeted Haniyeh with a missile during his visit to Tehran in July 2024.
Kamran Bokhari, Senior Director of the New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy in Washington, highlighted the significance of Israel’s strike on Qatar, a key U.S. ally. The attack targeted the headquarters of the Hamas political leadership in Doha, drawing condemnation from Western capitals for its location.
Prime Minister Mark Carney and White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt criticized the attack for violating Qatar’s sovereignty and causing violence. Qatar, with just 300,000 citizens, hosts not only Hamas but also houses the U.S. military’s Central Command at Al-Udeid Air Base. The strategic role of Qatar as a mediator in various conflicts, including those involving Israel and Hamas, was emphasized by Thomas Juneau, an expert in Middle Eastern politics.
Despite the attack, the Biden administration did not pressure Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, and Qatar continued its mediation efforts without objection from the Trump administration. Qatar’s role as a stabilizing force and its active involvement in Israeli hostage negotiations were acknowledged by global leaders.
Israel’s complex relationship with Qatar, including support for Hamas, has raised concerns. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s policies, such as allowing Qatar to provide financial aid to Hamas, have faced domestic and international criticism. The Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia condemned Israel and Qatar for aiding Hamas, accusing them of undermining the two-state solution.
Following Israel’s attack, experts speculate on Qatar’s future role as a mediator, with potential repercussions on regional dynamics. While Qatar might reconsider its mediation role, Netanyahu’s political motives and his stance on Gaza’s conquest remain subjects of debate among political analysts.
