It is a moment of rare symbolic significance in the Middle East conflict: Qatar, long known as a protector and safe haven for Hamas, is now taking action itself. In an unprecedented move, senior Hamas officials in exile have been ordered to surrender their personal weapons. What may seem like a small gesture reveals itself as a strategic signal – toward Washington, Jerusalem, and possibly even a historic turning point. The pressure is mounting. Signs point to a potential hostage deal and perhaps the beginning of the end of Hamas in its current form. But how serious is this gesture – and who is pulling the strings behind the scenes?

Qatar has unexpectedly ordered several senior Hamas officials in exile in Doha to surrender their personal weapons. According to a report by the British newspaper The Times, this includes Khalil al-Hayya, head of Hamas’s negotiation team, Muhammad Darwish, chairman of the Shura Council, and Zahar Jabarin, one of the founders of Hamas’s military wing. The move is seen by observers as a symbolic signal – both toward Washington and the...

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