On November 10, 2024, Qatar informed Hamas that it must close its office in Doha, which has been operational since 2012. This decision comes under pressure from the United States following intense discussions with U.S. officials approximately ten days prior.
Qatar has played a significant role in negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding the release of Israeli hostages. In 2023, over 100 hostages were released through a deal mediated by Qatar. However, negotiations have stalled, prompting U.S. officials to communicate that Hamas leaders should no longer be welcome in any American partner capitals.
Reports indicate that Hamas's office in Doha will relocate to Turkey, where President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has been supportive of the movement since October 2023. Critics argue that this decision may hinder Western engagement with more compromise-inclined elements of Hamas and could enhance the influence of third-party states, particularly Iran.
Hamas representatives have denied claims that Qatar requested the political bureau leadership to leave the country. Concurrently, Qatar has withdrawn from mediating negotiations between Israel and Hamas regarding a ceasefire and hostage release, citing a lack of good faith in the negotiations.
Earlier reports indicated that of the 101 hostages held by Hamas, only 51 are believed to be alive. Following the October 7, 2023, attack on Israel, approximately 30 hostages were killed, with additional fatalities occurring during Israeli military operations in Gaza.
The conflict escalated dramatically on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 individuals and the abduction of approximately 250 hostages. In retaliation, Israel declared war on Hamas, leading to significant casualties on both sides, with over 43,000 Palestinians reported killed in Gaza according to Hamas-controlled health authorities.
Hezbollah, a Lebanese Shiite militant group recognized as a terrorist organization by several countries, has also been involved, regularly firing at Israel from Lebanon. The Israel Defense Forces are conducting military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.