Israel’s recent strike in Doha has effectively dismantled the belief that Hamas leaders are safe amidst the city’s skyline. More importantly, it reveals that this perceived immunity had some considerable gaps.
Historically, Israel has shown its capability to reach its targets, like in the failed 1997 attempt to kill Khaled Meshar in Jordan and the 2010 assassination of Mahmoud al-Mabhouh in Dubai. However, what’s truly striking isn’t just Israel’s boldness; it’s somewhat baffling how Arab nations continue to support movements that lead to such turmoil. The conflict, exported by Hamas, invites chaos into their borders. So, a key takeaway for these countries should be: do not welcome Hamas.
Reassessing their approach might mean expelling Hamas altogether.
In Jordan, the dynamics changed significantly after Hamas took advantage of its presence there since 1992 to undermine Amman’s long-time rival, Yasser Arafat. However, after the assassination attempt on Meshar, Jordan realized that the risks of hosting Hamas outweighed any potential benefits. A couple of years later, they closed Hamas’ offices and expelled its leadership.
Still, Jordan permits some public demonstrations related to Hamas. Egypt has also adopted a similar stance. Despite clashes with Hamas during the Sinai uprising from 2013 to 2017, Cairo has housed a Hamas delegation for years, even overlooking arms that were smuggled into Gaza.
What’s particularly concerning is that some Arab nations actually provide political and logistical support to Hamas. Qatar stands out as a prime example, hosting key group leaders who have planned significant attacks there. Before October 7th, Hamas used Qatar for logistics, coordination, and fundraising, which costs around $30 million each month.
Lebanon has also been a refuge for Hamas leaders long before October 7th, yet Israel’s subsequent strikes targeted Lebanese territory, including areas associated with Hamas. However, Lebanon shows no signs of expelling Hamas from its borders.
It appears that many Arab countries are reluctant to acknowledge that Hamas bears responsibility for the ongoing destruction, preferring instead to condemn Israel following strikes. They often view Israel as the unstable aggressor, but this narrative overlooks Hamas’s own agenda of ongoing conflict, which seeks the annihilation of the Jewish state.
Hamas instigated this war and continues to perpetuate it. The organization’s external and internal leadership operates similarly, exploiting civilians as human shields in Gaza while using Arab capitals as protective walls against Israeli attacks. Removing or distancing themselves from Hamas could potentially reduce the need for Israeli military action against its leadership.
There’s a predictable fear among these Arab states: abandoning Hamas might stir domestic unrest. Yet, leaders need to remind their citizens that dismantling Hamas serves not only their interests but also those of the Palestinians, who have suffered greatly due to Hamas’ actions.
Privately, Arab leaders express a growing consensus that Hamas must be removed. After the events of October 7th, seasoned diplomat Dennis Ross noted discussions with Arab officials who emphasized the urgent need to dismantle Hamas’ presence in Gaza. Their insights suggest that they fear a strengthened Hamas ideology undermines their own governance.
Now, Qatar’s Prime Minister has hinted that the Emirate might need to rethink its support for Hamas. This moment presents a chance for the U.S. to encourage accountability among Arab partners regarding Hamas’ activities.
The U.S. should push for Hamas to be restricted within Arab states, which could help isolate the movement and undermine its legitimacy in the eyes of local populations, reinforcing the notion that it contributes to regional instability.
