Qatar has temporarily stopped the work of mediating between Israel and Hamas for a ceasefire and the release of hostages. According to reports, Qatari officials said that now they will start the mediation work again when Hamas and Israel show ‘willingness’ for talks. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement that it had informed both sides 10 days in advance that it would stop efforts to mediate between Hamas and Israel if an agreement was not reached.
Why did Qatar withdraw from mediation?
Qatar has taken the step of refusing to mediate between Israel and Hamas at a time when just a few days ago America had said that it will no longer accept the presence of Hamas representatives in Qatar. America had alleged that Hamas rejected the ceasefire proposal in Gaza. In such a situation, there is no need for Hamas representatives in Qatar. Hamas runs its political office in Doha, the capital of Qatar since 2012. Interestingly, this office of Hamas was reportedly established at the request of former US President Barack Obama administration.
Diplomatic experts say that the biggest reason for Qatar’s retreat is pressure from America. Multiple news agencies reported last week that Qatar had agreed with the US to ask Hamas to close its political office in Doha for refusing to compromise in ‘good faith’. However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry said that these media reports are not factually correct. Hamas officials have also rejected these claims.
Why is Qatar under pressure from America?
There are deep strategic and diplomatic relations between America and Qatar. Qatar may be a small country but it is a major ally of America. There is also a major American airbase here. Even before this, Qatar has handled many sensitive political negotiations and mediation with Iran, Taliban and Russia. Many other reasons are said to be behind Qatar’s bitterness. For example, after the recent assassination of Yahya Sinwar, Hamas organized a two-hour condolence meeting in a small hall in Doha. Whereas a three-day condolence meeting was organized for Ismail Haniya.
Pressure is sure to increase with Trump’s arrival
Strategic experts say that after Donald Trump comes to power, the pressure on Qatar is sure to increase. However, it is not yet clear what Trump’s Middle East policy will be after assuming the presidency in January. But he has already indicated that Israel can be allowed to work on its own terms. Trump had recently said in a statement that what Israel has started in Gaza should be ended. In such a situation, it is clear that he will stand firmly with Israel. In this situation, pressure on Qatar to expel Hamas will also increase.
What are the options if Hamas leaves Qatar?
According to a BBC report, if Hamas shifts its political office from Doha, then it has two options – Iran and Türkiye. However, it will not get the diplomatic channel of western countries in Iran. The advantage with Türkiye will be that it is a member of NATO. Only last year, the President of Türkiye had warmly welcomed Hamas leader Ismail Haniya and a delegation. There are also speculations that Turkey has deep sympathy towards Hamas.
According to media reports, many big leaders of Hamas live in Istanbul. In such a situation, there is a greater possibility that Hamas may take its political office to Turkey, but given the manner in which Israel targeted its top leaders, this aspect will also have to be kept in mind.
Tags: America News, Hamas attack on Israel, Israel, Israel News
FIRST PUBLISHED: November 10, 2024, 11:39 IST
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