The Gulf state’s dual ability to influence Hamas and mediate with Western powers placed it in a unique position.

By Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe

Qatar’s withdrawal as a mediator in the Israel-Hamas conflict is a bittersweet moment, highlighting both its unique position and its controversial role in the region. As a small but influential Gulf state with around 300,000 citizens and over two million expatriates, Qatar has built a formidable reputation as a peace mediator in the Middle East and North Africa. From playing a key role in the US-Taliban peace negotiations during the Afghanistan conflict to facilitating ceasefires, Qatar has shown its ability to navigate the complexities of conflict resolution.

In the Israel-Hamas conflict, Qatar leveraged its proximity to Hamas to achieve a short-lived ceasefire and secure the release of 105 hostages in a prisoner exchange deal at the end of 2023. This followed the unprecedented attack on October 7, 2023, when Hamas killed over 1,200 Israelis and kidnapped more than 250 into Gaza’s tunnels. Despite these efforts, the conflict rages on, with Israel continuing its military pressure on Hamas, demanding the release of 101 remaining hostages still believed to be hidden in tunnels beneath Gaza.

While Qatar’s close ties with Hamas were instrumental in negotiating these deals, it also placed the Gulf state under scrutiny. Hosting Hamas since 2012 after its departure from Syria during the Arab Spring, Qatar has provided the group with security and financial backing. Over the years, Qatar has transferred an estimated $1.8 billion to Gaza, ostensibly for humanitarian aid, but much of it was allegedly diverted to enhance Hamas’ military capabilities. This financial assistance, which began in earnest in 2018, was initially intended to mitigate the Palestinian Authority’s decision to cut salaries of government employees in Gaza. However, critics argue that the funds emboldened Hamas rather than alleviating the suffering of ordinary Palestinians.

Qatar’s withdrawal as a mediator marks a critical juncture in this complex conflict. On one hand, its departure is a loss for ongoing negotiations, given its unique leverage over Hamas and strong diplomatic relations with the United States. Qatar’s dual ability to influence Hamas and mediate with Western powers placed it in a unique position to drive forward both the release of hostages and the pursuit of a ceasefire. On the other hand, Qatar’s perceived bias due to its close relationship with Hamas has raised questions about its impartiality. While it played a crucial role at the negotiating table, its direct support for a group classified by many countries as a terrorist organization undermined its credibility as a neutral party.

The Biden Administration’s decision to pressure Qatar to expel Hamas leaders reflects the growing frustration with the lack of progress toward peace. The ongoing war, which has persisted for over a year, highlights the disconnect between Hamas’ leadership in exile and the suffering of Gaza’s residents. While Hamas leaders enjoy comfortable lives in Qatar and other nations, such as Iran, ordinary Gazans bear the brunt of the conflict. The expulsion of Hamas leaders from Qatar could signal a shift toward holding them accountable for their actions, as their decisions have directly impacted the lives of millions.

Hamas’ leadership, shielded from the consequences of their actions, has displayed a glaring disconnect from the realities faced by the people they claim to represent. Their strategy of attacking Israel and then retreating to safe havens abroad leaves ordinary Palestinians to endure the inevitable military retaliation. This lack of foresight and accountability further exacerbates the hardships faced by Gaza’s residents, whose suffering is compounded by Hamas’ failure to prioritize peace and stability.

As the conflict continues, the question remains whether Qatar’s withdrawal will pave the way for a more balanced mediation process or create a vacuum that exacerbates tensions. The Gulf state’s ability to bridge the gap between opposing sides was unmatched, but its controversial support for Hamas has left an indelible mark on its legacy as a mediator.

The broader implications of Qatar’s decision also highlight the challenges of navigating international diplomacy in the Middle East. While some argue that Qatar’s departure may open the door for more impartial mediators, others fear it could embolden Hamas or complicate efforts to secure a ceasefire. Either way, the need for a concerted international effort to address the root causes of the conflict is more urgent than ever.

Qatar’s withdrawal serves as a reminder that peace in the Middle East requires not only skilled diplomacy but also genuine commitment to the principles of justice and accountability. The international community must now work to fill the gap left by Qatar, ensuring that future negotiations prioritize the well-being of all affected populations. Only by addressing the underlying issues that perpetuate this cycle of violence can a sustainable resolution be achieved.

About the writer:

Kenneth Moeng Mokgatlhe is a political writer and researcher based at Ben Gurion University of the Negev, Israel.

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