Qatar’s Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani confirmed on October 10, 2025, at the request of both the US and Israel, that Qatar hosted Hamas’ political office in Doha at their request. This revelation followed an Israeli airstrike on September 9, 2025 targeting Hamas leaders located within Doha which killed six individuals including one Qatari security officer.
Hamas Office in Doha
Qatar has been home to Hamas’ political leadership since 2012 when senior figures, such as Khaled Meshaal, relocated from Syria. Qatar established an office for Hamas as part of an initiative aiming to facilitate indirect communication between them and Western powers in an attempt to promote dialogue and peace efforts. Qatari Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed stressed its role was solely diplomatic – acting as an impartial intermediary in negotiations – rather than endorsing Hamas actions; He stated “Host[ing] Hamas office was taken upon request of US/Israel to establish indirect lines of communication.”alitat Al Jazeera reported.
Israeli Airstrike and Diplomatic Consequences
Israel launched an airstrike against Doha targeting Hamas leaders meeting there to discuss a U.S.-brokered ceasefire proposal, targeting their building housing Hamas leaders who were meeting to discuss it. While top Hamas officials reportedly survived the strike, casualties have been substantial and widely condemned as violating Qatari sovereignty and violating their sovereignty; Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed described the attack as “state terrorism”, warning of potential regional repercussions (The Guardian).
International Reactions
The international community has responded strongly to Israel’s attack. While reaffirming Israel’s right of self-defense, President Donald Trump called this unfortunate development unfortunate and pledged to prevent future attacks against allies on allied territory.
European leaders, including UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and France’s Francois Fillon, strongly denounced Israel’s strike as a violation of Qatari sovereignty, calling on them to review their approach towards this conflict. The Washington Post
Qatar’s Mediation Role Under Scrutiny.
Qatar is currently reviewing its role as mediator between Israel and Hamas following the recent attack, with Prime Minister Sheikh Tamim al-Thani suggesting that Hamas’ office in Doha may remain or its leadership could be expelled; all decisions will be made with peace and stability in mind as their primary goal. Reuters
Qatar’s decision to host Hamas’ political office was taken with an eye toward encouraging dialogue and peace in the Middle East. Israel’s recent airstrike has complicated this role and raised questions over their viability; nevertheless, Qatar remains committed to neutrality and mediation while carefully considering what steps may be necessary in pursuit of regional harmony.