Qatar threatens Hamas with expulsion, officials say
NBCNOV 2024
Qatar Pauses Mediator Role in Gaza Cease-fire
Above: Head of Hamas' National Relations Office Husam Badran at the Hamas Political Office in Doha, Qatar, on Aug. 31, 2024. Image copyright: Ali Altunkaya/ Contributor/Anadolu via Getty Images
The Spin
Pro-establishment narrative
The presence of Hamas leadership in Qatar has become untenable after their repeated rejection of reasonable hostage release proposals. Their continued residence in any American partner nation's capital is unacceptable, given their terrorist activities and the holding of American hostages. There can be no more business as usual with Hamas following their actions.
Establishment-critical narrative
The focus should remain on implementing previously agreed-upon frameworks rather than pursuing new negotiations that only provide cover for continued aggression. The Israeli occupation is the primary obstacle to successful peace talks, as demonstrated by their rejection of the May 6 proposal and ongoing military actions against Palestinian civilians.