Qatar threatens Hamas with expulsion, officials say

Qatari officials have warned Hamas’ political bureau that it was no longer welcome in the country amid frustration over stalled hostage and cease-fire negotiations with Israel, according to a senior U.S. administration official and two diplomats briefed on the matter.

Qatari officials have warned Hamas’ political bureau that it was no longer welcome in the country amid frustration over stalled hostage and cease-fire negotiations with Israel, according to a senior U.S. administration official and two diplomats briefed on the matter.

“Qatar has become increasingly frustrated with a lack of progress toward a cease-fire by both Hamas and Israel,” one of the diplomats told NBC News Saturday morning. 

“Hamas has been told that if this continues then Qatar cannot continue to host them,” they said.

Later, a diplomat added that Qatar had informed the Israelis and Hamas that "as long as there is a refusal to negotiate a deal in good faith, they cannot continue to mediate. As a consequence, the Hamas political office no longer serves its purpose."

The officials did not say whether Hamas had been given a deadline, how they had responded to the warning to leave, or where they would go.

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/qatar-hamas-gaza-hostages-israel-war-ceasefire-rcna179332

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