Israel Times: Qatar Issues Order to Expel Hamas at Request of the U.S.

Following the United States' request to Qatari leaders to sever ties and cooperation with Hamas leaders, Doha has informed the Palestinian group that it must close its diplomatic office as soon as possible. An American official told the Israel Times that the killing of Hersh Goldberg Polin, an American-Israeli hostage, by Hamas in late August and the group's rejection of recent ceasefire proposals convinced the Biden administration to prevent Hamas leaders from continuing their presence in Doha and to change its approach towards them. According to this American official, two weeks ago, the U.S. asked Qatar to expel Hamas, and Doha agreed to implement this request by the end of this month and the first ten days of December. Additionally, Senator Roger Wicker from Washington wrote on X on Friday, November 18: 'My colleagues and I have pressured the Biden administration to change its policy towards Qatar.' He added, 'The defeat of Hamas is within reach, and securing a safe haven for their leadership abroad is critical for this defeat.' Qatar has hosted Hamas officials in Doha since 2012. U.S. administrations have welcomed this presence as a 'communication channel with this terrorist group.' It is reported that after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, the U.S. informed Qatari leaders that they could not maintain their previous approach with this terrorist group; however, they preferred to keep the Hamas office in Doha to use this position for negotiations towards a ceasefire and the release of hostages. During this time, the U.S. also announced charges against some Hamas officials, including Khaled Mashal, one of the senior leaders of the group residing in Doha. U.S. officials emphasized that Hamas leaders should not be welcomed in the capitals of U.S. allies after repeatedly rejecting proposals for the release of hostages. Qatar, along with the United States and Egypt, has played a significant role in multiple rounds of negotiations for establishing a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages held by this group in the Gaza Strip; negotiations that have so far been fruitless. In the latest round of negotiations in Doha last month, Hamas rejected a short-term ceasefire proposal, and the talks did not yield results. After the rejection of the hostage exchange agreement, the U.S. called for the expulsion of Hamas members from Qatar. Hamas's request from Russia: to encourage Mahmoud Abbas to form a national unity government. Reports: Trump resumes 'maximum pressure' against the Islamic Republic. Brian Hook: The Iranian regime is the 'main factor of instability' in the Middle East. Hezbollah's readiness for indirect talks with Israel. Netanyahu dismissed the Israeli defense minister.