A recent report from the Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has shed light on concerning activities involving Qatar’s government. According to MEMRI’s findings, Qatar’s authoritarian regime has been training Hamas operatives as recently as 2023, notably at the country’s police college in Al-Rayyan.
Qatar, known for its support of Hamas through financial aid, sheltering of leaders, and media backing via Al-Jazeera, has extended its assistance further by providing training to officers from Hamas’ Interior and National Security Ministry. These officers are part of Hamas’ governing authorities in the Gaza Strip.
Despite this revelation, responses from Israeli officials have been guarded due to ongoing negotiations involving Qatar’s mediation to secure the release of hostages held by Hamas. Additionally, Qatar’s training of Hamas operatives continued even after Hamas was designated a terrorist organization by both the US and the EU.
Rich Goldberg, a former member of the National Security Council during the Trump administration, has emphasized the gravity of Qatar’s actions, suggesting they warrant designation as a state sponsor of terrorism. Yigal Carmon, the president and founder of MEMRI, emphasized the deep ties between Qatar and Hamas.
Notably, Hamas leaders living in Qatar, including Isma’il Haniya, have acknowledged and praised Qatar’s role in strengthening the police force in Gaza through training programs. Haniya himself has been actively involved in honoring and celebrating graduates of these programs.
The MEMRI report also revealed instances where Hamas operatives from Gaza were honored by Qatari officials for their achievements in training programs. Despite the lack of clarity on the exact number of operatives trained, these revelations have sparked concerns and garnered attention from lawmakers and international observers.
Furthermore, Qatar’s involvement in hiring a former CIA officer and his company to conduct surveillance on US elected officials has raised additional questions about the Gulf state’s activities. Amid growing anger and protests against Qatar’s support for Hamas and failure to secure the release of hostages, tensions have escalated, leading to public demonstrations and criticism from various quarters.
As the controversy continues to unfold, calls for accountability and action against Qatar’s alleged support for terrorism persist, echoing concerns raised by lawmakers and advocacy groups worldwide. (Memri)
