Qatar ponders future of Hamas office in Doha: Report

The Gulf emirate could close the political office of Hamas as part of a broader review of its role as a mediator in the war, the Reuters news agency reports.

Citing “an official familiar with the Qatari government”, the news report said Doha is concerned its months-long mediation efforts between Israel and Hamas are being undermined by politicians seeking to score points.

“If Qatar isn’t going to be mediating, they won’t see a point in keeping the political office. So that is a part of the reassessment,” the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The official did not know if Hamas would be asked to leave Doha if the Qatari government did decide to close the group’s office. However, the official did say Qatar’s own review of its role would be influenced by how Israel and Hamas act during the ongoing negotiations.