Qatar and contacts with Oman: the move by Hamas leaders that complicates negotiations

The stalemate in ceasefire negotiations could force the political leadership of Hamas to abandon the Qatar. According to what was revealed by Wall Street Journalwho cited Arab sources, the leaders of the terrorist organization are considering leaving the Emirate and have at the same time suffered threats of expulsion if they do not accept a hostage agreement.

It seems that the Islamic movement has already contacted two other countries to ask for hospitality. One of these would be theOman, whose representatives did not want to comment on the rumors from the American newspaper. If Hamas were to leave Qatar, diplomatic talks could be compromised and it would be more difficult for Israel and the United States to convey messages to the group. Further slowdowns in the negotiation process, which would add to the already very difficult situation. “The talks have already taken place stranded again, with almost no signs or prospects of recovery anytime soon, and the distrust between Hamas and the negotiators is increasing“said one Arab negotiator. Another revealed to Wall Street Journal That “the possibility of the talks being completely upended is very real“.

The Prime Minister of the Emirate Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani also stated that Qatar intends to reevaluate his role as mediator between Tel Aviv and the terrorist organization, claiming that “some politicians are using us for their goals”. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also accused Doha of not being impartial and a bill was presented to the US Congress to withdraw the Gulf country’s status as a major non-allied ally Born until it expels all Hamas leaders or hands them over to the American authorities. A very complex situation for Qatar, therefore, which finds itself crushed between the pressure of the Western bloc and the “backfire” of what could be seen by the Muslim world as the abandonment of Palestinian cause.

Since the beginning of the conflict, Doha has never denounced the actions of Hamas but immediately took on a role of mediation between the parties.

Its negotiators were fundamental to achieving the November 2023 truce, but the reticence of the Palestinian organization in accepting the conditions posed by Israel made a new ceasefire impossible, despite months of talks and diplomatic pressure by the international community.