NOVEMBER 9, 2024- In a significant policy shift, Qatar has requested Hamas leaders to leave the country following pressure from the United States, the Financial Times reported. The decision comes after Hamas rejected recent proposals for a truce and a hostage agreement in Gaza.

The request was reportedly made around ten days ago after intense discussions with US officials, according to an unnamed source. The US informed Qatar that the presence of Hamas in Doha was no longer acceptable following the group’s refusal to agree to a short-term ceasefire. The militant group’s political office had been operating in Doha since 2012, after the Syrian civil war forced them out of Damascus.

US legislators have also criticized Qatar for hosting Hamas leaders. Fourteen Republican senators urged the Department of State to freeze Hamas officials’ assets, extradite top officials residing in Qatar, and end Qatar’s ties with Hamas.

Despite previous attempts to mediate a ceasefire in the Gaza conflict, which has now lasted over a year, Qatar’s involvement in negotiations appears to be at a turning point due to the ongoing stalemate and Hamas’ rejection of peace proposals.