On October 7, 2023, it was revealed that Hamas leaders were residing comfortably in Qatar, 2,000 kilometers away from Gaza as guests of Qatari Emir Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani. Ismail Haniyeh, a Hamas leader, was in Qatar when he received the tragic news of Israel’s strike in Gaza that resulted in the deaths of three of his sons and four grandchildren. Israel later targeted and killed him in Tehran in July 2024.
The attack on the Hamas political leadership headquarters in Doha by Israel on Tuesday sparked condemnation from Western capitals, focusing on the location of the attack rather than its target. Prime Minister Mark Carney denounced the attack as a violation of Qatar’s sovereignty, while White House spokesperson Karoline Leavitt expressed concern over the attack’s location.
Qatar, a nation with a small citizen population compared to its non-Qatari residents and guest workers, hosts not only Hamas leaders but also houses the U.S. military’s Central Command at Al-Udeid Air Base. Qatar’s role as a mediator in various conflicts, including between Israel and Hamas, was a strategic decision made to ensure its security and maintain stability in the region.
Despite the recent attack, the Biden administration did not pressure Qatar to expel Hamas leaders, indicating the continued support and mediation efforts by Qatar. Qatar’s emir has played a significant role in hostage negotiations and ceasefire proposals in the region.
Israel’s complex relationship with Qatar involves support for Hamas in Gaza to prevent progress towards a two-state solution. Israel collaborated with Qatar to provide financial aid to Hamas, including the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Palestinian Authority and Saudi Arabia criticized Israel and Qatar for supporting Hamas, which they viewed as undermining the Palestinian Authority’s efforts for a two-state solution.
The surprise attack by Israel on Qatar is likely to prompt the ruling family to reassess its intermediary role in global conflicts. Qatar’s potential withdrawal from mediating for Hamas could lead to leadership relocation to other countries, complicating future negotiations.
While Netanyahu’s political motives may benefit from the situation, there are concerns about the long-term implications of the attack on peace negotiations. The broader goal of conquering Gaza could influence Netanyahu’s approach to negotiations, potentially hindering diplomatic solutions.