Qatar has agreed to expel Hamas officials from its borders after a request from the United States, according to CNN.
US officials reportedly communicated to Qatari counterparts two weeks ago that Hamas’s presence in Doha should end. Qatar subsequently informed Hamas of this decision about a week ago.
A senior US official told CNN, “Hamas is a terrorist organization that has killed Americans and continues to detain American hostages. After rejecting multiple offers to release these hostages, its leaders have no place in the capital of any US partner.”
In response, a senior Hamas official denied the reports, calling them baseless and a mere pressure tactic, adding that similar claims have circulated before without credible proof.
“What has been reported in Israeli media about Qatar agreeing to expel Hamas following a US request is unfounded and simply a pressure strategy,” the Hamas official told CNN.
CNN also noted that Qatar has been a key figure in attempting to mediate a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas conflict, hosting high-level discussions with Hamas officials based in Doha.
Meanwhile, Fox News Digital reports that Qatar has grown frustrated with the “political exploitation” in Gaza peace negotiations, clarifying that it informed Hamas of its decision independently, without needing US intervention.