Qatar = Hamas
As the war drags on, the blurred lines between mediator and supporter raise urgent questions about Qatar’s true influence, and whether it holds the key to ending the bloodshed or prolonging the conflict.
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The phrase "Qatar = Hamas" reflects a widely held view in Israeli political and military circles that Qatar functions as Hamas’s chief international patron, both politically and financially.
Here’s what underpins that equation:
Financial Patronage
Qatar has been one of Hamas’s largest financial backers for over a decade. Since around 2012, it has transferred hundreds of millions of dollars to Gaza, ostensibly for humanitarian and civil servant purposes, including monthly stipends to poor families, salaries for Hamas-employed civil servants and fuel for Gaza’s power plant.
While Israel at times facilitated these transfers (via suitcases of cash through Erez crossing), Israeli critics and regional analysts argue that much of the aid helped prop up Hamas’s regime, freeing it to divert resources toward military buildup.
Political Protection
Qatar hosts Hamas’s political bureau in Doha, including leaders like:
These leaders live freely in Qatar, raise funds, give interviews, and hold meetings with international actors. After the October 7, 2023 massacre, their continued residence in Qatar drew severe condemnation from Israel and some Western officials.
Mediation Monopoly
Qatar has become a primary broker in hostage negotiations, ceasefire deals, and Gaza diplomacy. While its access to Hamas is a strategic asset, critics argue that:
* It shields Hamas from full accountability
* It delays or manipulates ceasefire deals based on its regional interests
* It has an inherent conflict of interest, acting as both mediator and Hamas protector
Israel’s frustration has grown in recent months, with multiple officials stating that Qatar “could end this war tomorrow if it truly wanted to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal.
In Israeli Discourse
Since October 7, the label 'Qatar = Hamas' has gained traction across Israeli media, Government communications and public protests (some even outside Al Jazeera’s Jerusalem bureau, Qatar’s media arm)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials have hinted that Qatar must be held accountable if it fails to rein in Hamas—or worse, if it continues to enable them.