The views expressed in this text are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of CMI. 

This Tuesday’s missile strikes in Doha indicated a dangerous shift in the world order. While Israel has been bombing the Palestinian population in Gaza and has conducted military strikes against a number of Arab neighbouring states over the last two years, this singular strike, though less violent, signals something deeply sinister.

Qatar holds a very particular role in both regional and global politics. Host to, among others, the Taliban and Hamas, Qatar’s strategy of keeping doors open to all parties in conflict has led to its emergence as a diplomatic superpower, and designated host and coordinator of a number of negotiations, including with the USA, Iran and Russia – and most prominently in the last two years, attempts at brokering a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel.

The missile strike in Doha thus signals an end to this, as Israel has not only sought to kill its negotiation counterpart – violating what trust remained – but also made clear that any host of mediation exposes itself to airstrikes. This is why this missile strike is different, and why it is so deeply worrying.

This translated piece by CMI researcher Mari Norbakk, from an article series in the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten in 2023, sets out some of the background and sketches the relationship of Qatar to Hamas and Israel.

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Qatar has emerged as the leading Arab voice for the Palestinian cause

Qatar is clear on the Israel-Palestine conflict. In the eyes of the Gulf state, Israel is entirely to blame for the ongoing war in Gaza.

As early as October 7, Qatar demanded de-escalation from “all parties” and placed full responsibility for the escalation on Israel. Nowhere in the statement from the Qatari Foreign Ministry was Hamas’ attacks on civilians mentioned.

On October 8, Qatari museums were lit up with the Palestinian flag, in stark contrast to international expressions of solidarity with Israel. Qatar has also allowed solidarity demonstrations for Gaza in the capital, Doha. This stance is not surprising.

Hamas has long had a political office in Doha. Qatar also has a significant Palestinian diaspora and hosts prominent leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood organisation .

Several high-ranking Hamas members and leaders live, and have lived, in Qatar .

In 2017, it was from Doha that Hamas announced its moderate political manifesto , in which they made it clear that they would accept a two-state solution. Qatar supports the Palestinians in their demand for an independent state based on the 1967 borders.

Talking to everyone

Qatar has had a low-level relationship with Israel since 1996 in the shape of an Israeli trade agency. However, the country has been a harsh critic of the Abraham Accords, which normalise Israel's relations with some Arab countries.

Qatar broke off diplomatic relations with Israel due to the war in Gaza in 2009, but has nevertheless maintained a dialogue and facilitated talks between Israel and Hamas in 2015.

Some interpret the relationship between Doha and Tel Aviv as being solely about Qatar's ability to support the people of Gaza . But Qatar's political line is that they talk to everyone – in order to play their role as a mediator.

This role is also clearly emerging now. According to international media, Qatar facilitated the talks that led to the release of some of the Hamas hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned in Israel.

The talks that led to the opening of the border with Egypt on November 1 also involved Qatari participation.

Qatar, like Norway, has sought to punch above its weigh internationally as a mediator and has actively positioned itself through what researchers call “soft power.” By hosting actors such as Hamas and the Taliban, Qatar has been able to secure the role of mediator and facilitator of dialogue.

 Supports Palestinian demands

Since October 7, Qatar has reiterated its call for de-escalation , expressing concern that the conflict could spread to the region and categorically rejecting any attempts to forcibly relocate the population of Gaza.

In all public statements, Qatar reiterates its support for the Palestinians' legitimate demand for an independent state according to the 1967 borders, which is also Hamas' official demand and position since 2017.

Furthermore, Qatar has demanded the opening of humanitarian corridors to allow emergency aid to come in. Qatar has contributed humanitarian and economic support to Gaza and has at times financed the salaries of bureaucrats in Gaza, which also means Hamas. This has taken place in dialogue with Israel.

 Leading Arab voice for the Palestinians

A joint statement from the Arab states following the Cairo peace summit on October 21 reiterates the demand for an independent state for the Palestinians, concerns about regional escalation, and the need for humanitarian corridors. Hamas was not mentioned anywhere.

Qatar has in many ways emerged as the leading Arab voice for the Palestinian cause. During the 2022 World Cup, symbols of the Palestinian liberation struggle were allowed in the stands.

Qatar's view of the conflict is that Israel's occupation and abuses against the Palestinians are the cause of the violence, and that Israel is entirely to blame.

In Qatar's eyes, the only possible solution to the conflict is political: Palestine must become an independent state according to the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Pragmatically speaking, this is probably intended as a starting point for negotiation, and in 2013 Qatari leaders stated that land swaps could be considered . According to statements, this would involve exchanging certain areas of land rather than adhering strictly to the 1967 borders. However, in the statements from October this requirement is unconditional.