Hamas is a resistance movement, not a terrorist group, insists Qatar

Qatar’s Assistant Foreign Minister for International Affairs has told Alarab newspaper that Hamas is a resistance movement and not a terrorist group. Shaikh Mohammad Bin Abdul Rahman Al-Thani added that his country adopts an open-door policy in its foreign relations.

“Hamas uses its right to resistance, as it is a resistance movement in an occupied country,” insisted Shaikh Mohammad. “Its acts are completely different to terrorist acts.”

He noted that Hamas comes from the Palestinian people, who are being subjected to state terrorism by Israel. “Regardless of the Hamas issue in particular, Qatar has generally adopted an open-door policy with all parties.”

Qatar is keen to achieve peace and security in the entire region, said the minister, which is why it has always played the role of a credible mediator. “We host Hamas and representatives of other political movements from other countries,” he pointed out, “which strengthens Qatar’s role as a mediator.”