The Trump Effect in Action: Qatar Kicks Out Hamas
Just days after President Trump won the 2024 presidential election, Qatar announced that it will end its role as a mediator in negotiations between Israel and Hamas for a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release.
In even more surprising news—which highlights the positive impact that Trump’s mere election announcement has had on the world—Qatar has asked Hamas to leave the country.
Hamas has maintained a political office in Qatar since the early 2010s, particularly in Doha.
Qatar has long hosted various Hamas leaders, including former political leader Khaled Meshaal as well as the late political head Ismail Haniyeh.
Ismail Haniyeh was killed on July 31, 2024, in Tehran, Iran. He was in Tehran to attend the inauguration of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian. The assassination was attributed to an Israeli airstrike.
Haniyeh’s death marked a significant escalation in regional tensions, as he was a prominent figure in Hamas and played a key role in its political and military strategies.
His assassination led to widespread reactions, including vows of retaliation from Hamas and its allies. Haniyeh’s death was seen as a major blow to Hamas, impacting its leadership structure and strategic planning.
Apart from Ismail Haniyeh, most prominent Hamas leaders have been killed by Israeli forces, making Khaled Meshaal uniquely notable for simply staying alive.
As of November 11, he continues to issue empty threats directed at Israel and possibly the United States.