The National: Hamas is leaving Qatar to Iraq

Hamas leaders are planning to leave Qatar for Iraq, as pressure mounts from Doha and the United States on the group to show greater flexibility in talks for a ceasefire in Gaza, The National reported Monday.

According to sources who spoke to the National newspaper, the Iraqi government agreed last month to host Hamas leaders on its territory, after the movement’s leaders planned to leave Qatar, with Iran taking responsibility for protecting the movement’s offices and employees in Baghdad.

These sources revealed that Hamas security and logistical teams went to Baghdad to supervise preparations for this step.

The move was discussed last month by Ismail Haniyeh, head of Hamas’ political bureau, and representatives of the Iraqi and Iranian governments.

A senior Iraqi lawmaker and the leader of a political party with close ties to the Iran-backed militant group confirmed the talks.

The Iraqi MP said that the possible step was discussed separately last month, in a phone conversation between Haniyeh and the Iraqi Prime Minister, Mohammed Shia al Sudani.

“There is no consensus among Iraqi political groups regarding Hamas’ move to Baghdad, as some, especially Kurds and some Sunnis, fear that this will deepen differences with the United States,” the Iraqi MP added.

“However, despite the lack of consensus, the Iraqi government’s decision to host Hamas won’t be reversed”.

The Iraqi MP and political leader pointed out that Baghdad welcomes the idea of Hamas having a high-level presence in Iraq, noting that Hamas leaders didn’t set a date for this step, although Hamas opened this month a political office headed by Mohammed al Hafi in Baghdad”.

According to the National newspaper, “there are plans for Hamas to open a media office in Baghdad in the coming weeks”.

The Iraqi government didn’t respond to the newspaper’s request for comment.

The move comes at a time when ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, remain stalled.