Doha, Qatar – The prime minister of Qatar, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, has called for inclusive engagement, including with non-state actors such as the Palestinian group Hamas, as the only viable route to regional peace.
Speaking to United States journalist Tucker Carlson on Sunday at the Doha Forum, Sheikh Mohammed said you cannot resolve or reach a solution “if you have no one speaking to non-state actors”.
The start of Qatar’s relationship with Hamas goes back more than 10 years, he said, adding that opening the group’s office in the country came at the request of the US, aiming to enhance communications with the armed group.
“When they [Hamas] moved their office back in 2012 here [Qatar], it was used only for communication and to facilitate ceasefires and aid to Gaza,” Sheikh Mohammed, who is also the foreign minister, said.
Qatar has also hosted the Taliban’s political office since 2013, during the group’s war with the US and the former Afghan government. The office was also established at Washington’s request to create a venue for potential peace negotiations.
Sheikh Mohammed refuted allegations that any money going to Gaza went to Hamas, insisting it goes to the Palestinian people.
“Politicians are trying to use this for short-term political gains … to fuel their narratives,” the prime minister stated.
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