Qatar to Expel Hamas Leaders Amid U.S. Pressure

Qatar has reportedly agreed to remove Hamas leaders from its territory following U.S. pressure to limit the presence of the group in Doha. According to an American source cited by Israel’s state broadcaster KAN, this decision comes after Hamas’s rejection of multiple proposals for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.

The U.S. has made it clear to Qatar that hosting Hamas leaders is “no longer acceptable,” especially after the group’s refusal to engage in negotiations. “After rejecting repeated proposals to release hostages, its leaders should no longer be welcome in the capitals of any American partner,” a senior U.S. administration official told Reuters. Qatar, which had previously allowed Hamas’s political office in the country to facilitate dialogue, reportedly informed Hamas leaders about the decision approximately ten days ago.

IDF Operations in Gaza and Lebanon

Meanwhile, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have continued their anti-terror operations in Gaza and Lebanon. On Thursday, IDF forces conducted targeted operations in the southern Gaza Strip, focusing on dismantling terror infrastructure, including booby-trapped buildings, anti-tank positions, and observation posts. During these operations, the IDF eliminated two Hamas terrorists involved in the October 7 massacre, including Baha Abu Kreshin, a prominent commander.

Additionally, in cooperation with the Israel Air Force (IAF), the IDF carried out strikes on over 110 sites associated with Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon. In Lebanon, around 60 Hezbollah militants were reportedly killed, and several weapons storage facilities, military structures, and launchers used for attacks on Israel were destroyed.

Prominent Islamic Scholar Issues Fatwa Against Hamas

Adding to the tensions, Professor Dr. Salman al-Dayah, a former dean of the Faculty of Sharia and Law at the Islamic University of Gaza, issued a fatwa against Hamas, condemning the group’s October 7 attacks on Israel.

Dr. Dayah accused Hamas of violating Islamic principles, noting that its actions endangered Palestinian civilians by using civilian infrastructure for military purposes. He argued that such attacks contradicted Islamic teachings on jihad, which call for the protection of innocent lives.

This is not the first religious condemnation of Hamas. In March, the Islamic Fatwa Council issued a fatwa against the group, citing similar violations of Islamic law and affirming an obligation to support the oppressed over the oppressors.