Qatar Announces They Will Kick Out Hamas Following Wagner Diplomatic Efforts

Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Chair of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after Qatar announced they would no longer provide safe haven to Hamas terrorists:

"For too long, Qatar has sheltered Hamas terrorists who seek to destroy Israel. I have put strong pressure on Qatar to spur them into action by introducing bipartisan and bicameral legislation that would force the Administration to reevaluate Qatar's designation as a major non-NATO ally if Qatar does not bring all pressure to bear to bring hostages home-including by expelling all Hamas operatives from its territory. Qatar has, so far, failed to force Hamas to come to the table and make a deal to release the Israeli and American hostages. It is crystal clear that Hamas is not a good-faith negotiator and must never receive shelter from partners of the United States.

"In my work as Vice Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, I took part in a Congressional delegation to the Middle East, including Qatar, to see the aftermath of the October 7th attack and meet with those on the ground to help chart a path forward. During this delegation I spoke directly to the Qatari Prime Minister and other officials and made clear their harboring of Hamas was unconscionable.

"I appreciate that the United States and Qatar have recognized that the brutal terrorists of Hamas are not interested in ending the war in Gaza. This is a major victory for U.S. diplomacy and for Israel. Hamas's presence in Qatar must end permanently."