DOHA / WASHINGTON — March 9, 2026 : Qatar has informed the United States that it intends to expel the political leadership of Hamas from its territory after the group declined to publicly condemn recent Iranian missile attacks targeting Qatar and other Gulf states. The decision marks a significant shift in Doha’s long-standing policy of hosting Hamas’ external political office and reflects growing regional tensions linked to the ongoing conflict between Iran, the United States, and Israel.
Qatar’s Notification to Washington
According to officials familiar with the matter, Qatari authorities formally communicated their intention to the United States in recent diplomatic discussions. Senior Hamas political figures have operated from Doha for more than a decade, using the Qatari capital as their primary external headquarters.
The move follows Hamas’ refusal to issue any statement condemning Iranian strikes that targeted several members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, and the United Arab Emirates.
Qatari officials have not publicly announced a timetable for the expulsion, and the number of Hamas leaders who may be required to leave the country has not been disclosed. U.S. officials acknowledged receiving the notification from Qatar but declined to comment on the details of ongoing consultations.
Background: Hamas Presence in Qatar
Qatar has hosted Hamas’ political office since 2012 under an arrangement that allowed the group’s leadership to operate from Doha while maintaining diplomatic contacts in the region. The office functioned as one of Hamas’ principal external bases and served as a location for political coordination separate from the organization’s military operations in Gaza.
The presence of Hamas leadership in Qatar has also played a role in mediation efforts involving ceasefire negotiations, prisoner exchanges, and hostage release discussions in previous conflicts involving Israel and Palestinian factions. Doha maintained the arrangement while balancing relations with regional actors and the United States.
Iranian Missile Attacks on Gulf States
The diplomatic shift occurred amid a broader regional escalation that began in late February 2026. Iran launched hundreds of ballistic missiles and attack drones toward Gulf states in response to a coordinated U.S. and Israeli military campaign against Iranian targets known as Operation Epic Fury, which began on February 28.
Multiple Gulf countries were targeted during the retaliatory strikes, including Qatar. On March 3, an Iranian ballistic missile penetrated Qatari air defenses and struck Al Udeid Air Base, the largest U.S. military installation in the Middle East and the forward headquarters of U.S. Central Command.
The strike damaged the U.S.-built AN/FPS-132 early-warning radar system, a strategic missile detection facility valued at approximately $1.1 billion. The radar system is designed to detect and track ballistic missile launches across long distances and provides early warning data for regional missile defense networks.
Despite the attacks on Qatari territory and critical infrastructure, Hamas leadership did not issue any condemnation of Iran’s actions. Qatari authorities reportedly viewed the absence of a response as incompatible with the group’s continued presence in the country.
Diplomatic and Security Considerations
Qatar maintains a close defense partnership with the United States and hosts thousands of American military personnel at Al Udeid Air Base. The base serves as a central hub for U.S. air operations and command functions across the Middle East.
At the same time, Doha has historically pursued a diplomatic strategy that includes maintaining communication channels with various regional actors, including Palestinian factions. Hosting Hamas’ political leadership was part of this approach, which positioned Qatar as an intermediary in several regional negotiations.
The recent Iranian strikes on Qatari territory appear to have altered the political environment surrounding that arrangement.
Limited Relocation Options for Hamas Leadership
If the expulsion proceeds, Hamas’ external leadership will face a limited number of potential destinations for relocating its political bureau.
Turkey is considered an unlikely option, as current indications suggest that Ankara may not agree to host the group’s senior leadership under present circumstances. Syria is also no longer considered viable following the change of government in Damascus. Lebanon, another country where Palestinian factions have historically maintained a presence, has become increasingly unstable, making it an uncertain long-term base for Hamas officials.
Without a confirmed alternative host country, the removal of Hamas’ political office from Doha would significantly reduce the group’s diplomatic and logistical presence in the Gulf region.
Regional Context
The decision comes during a period of heightened military activity and political tension across the Middle East. Iran’s missile launches toward Gulf targets were part of its response to the U.S.–Israeli strikes conducted under Operation Epic Fury. Several Gulf states have since strengthened security coordination with the United States in response to the threat.
Qatar’s notification to Washington reflects ongoing consultation between the two countries regarding regional security and defense cooperation. The future status of Hamas’ political leadership and its potential relocation remain uncertain as diplomatic discussions continue.
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