Qatar Denies Closure of Hamas Political Office, Reaffirms Role in Mediation Efforts

Qatar’s Foreign Ministry has denied media reports suggesting that it has permanently closed the political office of Hamas in Doha. Spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari confirmed that the leaders of Hamas’s negotiating team are currently absent from the capital, but stressed that the office itself has not been shut down.

Earlier, Qatar had announced it would suspend its mediation efforts for a Gaza ceasefire and the release of hostages, citing a lack of seriousness from both Hamas and Israel about resuming talks. The Qatari government also rejected claims that it had ordered Hamas to leave the country.

Qatar has hosted Hamas’s political leadership since 2012, a move that has been facilitated with the blessing of the United States. Despite the tensions following the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel, both Qatari and US officials have indicated that Hamas’s presence in Doha remains vital for ongoing communication and diplomatic efforts.