Trump Envoy Defends Qatar, Suggests Hamas Could Remain Politically in Gaza

In a recent interview with Tucker Carlson, U.S. Mideast envoy Steven Witkoff stirred controversy by defending Qatar a key state sponsor of Hamas and suggesting that Hamas could remain politically active in Gaza under certain conditions.

Witkoff, who has past business ties to Qatar, praised Sheikh Mohammed of Qatar, calling him “a good man” and “a special guy.” He argued that Qatar’s involvement in ceasefire negotiations should be viewed positively, describing the Gulf nation as a "mediator" rather than a party to the conflict, despite Qatar’s well-documented financial and political support for Hamas and other extremist groups.

This stance has raised serious concerns among pro-Israel voices, as Qatar harbors Hamas leadership and continues to fund the terrorist organization responsible for the October 7 massacre, which claimed the lives of 1,200 Israelis and resulted in the abduction of 251 hostages.

During the interview, Witkoff also softened his position on Hamas’s role in Gaza, stating, “What’s acceptable to us is they need to demilitarize. Then maybe they could stay there a little bit. Be involved politically. But they can’t be involved militarily.” This statement contrasts sharply with Israel’s clear objective to dismantle Hamas’s governing and military capabilities entirely.

Witkoff’s comments echo failed policies of past U.S. administrations that attempted to negotiate with terror groups under the premise that they could be moderated a strategy that has repeatedly backfired.

Carlson, for his part, enthusiastically agreed with Witkoff’s assessments, despite Qatar’s close ties to Iran and decades-long sponsorship of Islamic terrorist organizations. Carlson further downplayed the ideological rigidity of Hamas, suggesting they could be swayed through diplomacy.

This interview underscores growing unease among Israel’s supporters, who fear that legitimizing Hamas’s political role while collaborating with their primary sponsor undermines Israel’s security and emboldens terrorist actors in the region.

Share this article or subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed on Israel’s fight against terror and shifting U.S. policy in the Middle East.