Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim al-Thani dodged a question during an interview over the weekend about what would happen to Hamas’ leaders that are living inside the country.
The question comes after the terrorist organization murdered 1,200 Israelis, wounded thousands more, and kidnapped hundreds during an unprecedented terrorist attack on October 7.
When asked during a Sunday interview with Margaret Brennan on CBS News’ “Face The Nation” about the whereabouts of Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar, Sheikh Mohammed responded by saying that he had no idea and claiming that the country only deals with the political representatives of Hamas who live in Qatar.
“In this country, a number of Republican lawmakers, in particular, have publicly called for your country to hand over those Hamas political leaders,” Brennan said. “What is the future? Will they remain in Qatar?”
Sheikh Mohammed responded, “Margaret, our relation with U.S. is a very solid relationship and alliance that been established throughout the decades. We’ve been working together very closely in ensuring peace and stability in the region. And, in several occasions, Qatar has been always stepping up to this partnership. And, if you recall Afghanistan, and, currently right now, we’ve been working very closely with the White House, with the CIA and State Department to ensure that this deal is happening.”
“The president of the United States is in constant contact with His Highness, the emir, and I have been in constant communication with our colleagues in the White House, CIA and State Department as well,” he said. “There is a relation that’s based on trust, based on mutual interest of both countries. This office, when it’s established, it’s established in coordination with the U.S. to establish the communication with Hamas. And it’s been always useful, not only for the U.S., but for the U.S., Israel, and for the stability of the region. And as long as this is something useful – and also, right now, we are in the middle of the negotiation – we will always keep the communication open with everyone.”
When asked if he knows where Hamas commander Yahya Sinwar is, Qatari PM Al Thani says, "I don't think that this information is available with anyone except the people who are close to him."
"We don't deal directly with, or never have any dealing with, the military wing." pic.twitter.com/z13WN2xilt
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