Qatar Says Hamas Office in Doha Has Not Been Closed as Whereabouts of Terror Leadership Remains Uncertain

Qatar confirmed on Tuesday that the Hamas offices in Doha are currently inactive, but the government does not consider them to be permanently closed.

Foreign Ministry spokesperson Majed Al-Ansari told reporters Hamas officials are no longer interested in negotiating a ceasefire for the war in Gaza, so there is no reason to maintain a staffing presence in their work areas.

Al-Ansari also revealed Hamas’s leadership was no longer residing in the Persian Gulf nation but denied recent media reports claiming they were asked to leave by Qatari authorities last week.

Although the press secretary did not comment on the new location of the terror group's controllers, a Palestinian source told the BBC their whereabouts are being kept secret to avoid causing diplomatic issues for the destination countries.

Since 2012, Qatar has hosted the political offices of the Gaza-based organization, reportedly at the request of the United States.