Doha, Nov 22 (V7N) – Senior leaders of Hamas, the Palestinian independence group, have reportedly left Qatar, though the group's political office in Doha remains formally open. According to a report by BBC News, Khalil al-Hayya, the most senior Hamas leader based outside Gaza, and other negotiating officials are no longer residing in Qatar.

The Qatari government confirmed the office's inactivity, citing the suspension of Qatar’s mediation efforts for a ceasefire agreement in Gaza. A Foreign Ministry spokesperson clarified that while these efforts are paused, they are not permanently abandoned.

A Palestinian official added that prisoner exchanges with Israel are contingent on a permanent ceasefire agreement, dismissing the possibility of further negotiations under temporary arrangements.

There has been speculation, particularly in Israeli media outlets like The Times of Israel, that Hamas leaders have relocated to Turkey. However, Hamas has refuted these claims, branding reports of their departure to Turkey as "completely fabricated and false" in a statement on Telegram.

The departure of Hamas leadership from Qatar raises questions about the group's future diplomatic positioning and the potential relocation of its political and negotiation activities. Meanwhile, Gaza remains in a state of ongoing conflict, with ceasefire talks stalled.

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