On June 3, media reports claimed Qatar had asked some Hamas officials to leave its territories after their names were listed alongside Palestinian detainees in Israeli intelligence investigations as being involved in armed attacks against Israel. Although no Qatari officials confirmed the news, other reports said Qatar expressed regret about having to make such a move because of pressure by foreign parties, who were not identified.

Hamas remained silent for an entire day before its spokesman, Hossam Badran, said such reports were aimed at ruining the movement’s image and influencing its foreign relations. However, he neither confirmed nor denied the reports, perhaps to avoid embarrassing either party.

Al-Monitor tried to contact some Hamas officials inside and outside the Palestinian territories to clarify the issue, but none would confirm or deny the reports.

However, Badran — a Qatar resident and former military official in Hamas — told Al-Monitor, “Hamas’ new leadership, elected in early May, began to arrange the activity of its leaders and their organizational functions in various geographical areas inside and outside the Palestinian territories to best serve the movement's interest." He added, “Hamas values Qatar’s support to the Palestinian people, especially in the reconstruction of Gaza and the constant support for the steadfastness of its people.”