Skip to main content

Hamas Cautious on Qatar Power Transfer

Hamas says it has learned its lesson from previous experiences in Syria and Jordan, and is prepared for any sudden policy change from Qatar's new emir.
Hamas leader Khaled Meshaal uses his mobile phone in his office in Doha November 29, 2012. Meshaal said the de facto recognition of a sovereign Palestinian state won by his rival Mahmoud Abbas should be seen alongside Gaza's latest conflict with Israel as a single, bold strategy that could empower all Palestinians. Meshaal said the short war which claimed 162 Palestinian lives and five Israelis was concluded on terms set by the Palestinian Islamist movement and ended its isolation, creating a new mood that
Read in 

The transfer of power in Qatar from Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani to his son, Prince Tamim bin Hamad, has raised concerns within Hamas. The latter fears that this power shift could change the Islamic movement's relationship with Qatar. Some Hamas leaders are based in Qatar, most notably the head of the movement's political bureau, Khaled Meshaal, who left the Syrian capital, Damascus, after the outbreak of the crisis.

The Qatari leadership change reminded Hamas leaders of their previous experience in Jordan. When King Abdullah II came to power after the death of his father, he forced Hamas to leave the Jordanian arena, causing the movement to relocate its headquarters to Syria. However, the current changes seem less burdensome given the fact that its leadership is in Qatar on a temporary basis.

Access the Middle East news and analysis you can trust

Join our community of Middle East readers to experience all of Al-Monitor, including 24/7 news, analyses, memos, reports and newsletters.

Subscribe

Only $100 per year.