Hmmm: US, Qatar to Expel Hamas Leadership?

The head of Hamas's politburo, Ismail Haniyeh, has lived in luxury in Doha for years. Qatar has been central in meditating talks aimed at reaching a ceasefire and a release of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza. The Al-Arabiya report did not provide further details about the alleged Qatari and American efforts to expel Hamas from Doha.

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In October, The Washington Post reported that Qatar and the US had agreed to discuss Hamas's presence in Doha once the crisis in the region was resolved, although it was unclear what exactly that would entail. In December, Israeli media reported that Qatar had agreed to exile Hamas leaders if a ceasefire was reached, although a Qatari official denied that this was the case.

Ed Morrissey

This looks like an attempt to force Hamas to get a lot more realistic in hostage negotiations. Joe Biden called their last proposal "over the top" for its demands of a complete Israeli withdrawal but also for them to fund the rebuilding of Gaza under Hamas' control. Biden needs another pause in part to interfere with the Israeli offensive, and in part for his own political survival. If Qatar really does expel Hamas leaders, their lives won't be worth spit for long, and they know it. 

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