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Hamas could be next victim of Qatari-Gulf brawl

Qatar politely sent some Hamas leaders packing after several nations, including Saudi Arabia, cut diplomatic ties with Doha.
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal gestures as he announces a new policy document in Doha, Qatar, May 1, 2017. REUTERS/Naseem Zeitoon - RTS14OSP

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.

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