January 29, 2025 | Flash Brief
‘Hamas Can Never Govern Gaza or Threaten Israel Again’: Rubio to Egyptian Foreign Minister
January 29, 2025 | Flash Brief
‘Hamas Can Never Govern Gaza or Threaten Israel Again’: Rubio to Egyptian Foreign Minister
Latest Developments
- Hamas Remains in Control of Gaza: Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty on January 28 that “Hamas can never govern Gaza or threaten Israel again” following the current war. Rubio also “reinforced the importance of holding Hamas accountable,” according to a State Department readout of the call. Despite losing a significant number of its fighters during the 15-month war, Hamas has managed to cling to power in the aftermath of the Gaza ceasefire deal.
- Palestinians Convicted of Murder to Relocate to Qatar, Turkey: Turkey and Qatar will reportedly accept Palestinian terrorists convicted of murder who were released from Israeli jails in exchange for hostages held by Hamas. Israel, which plans to release 737 Palestinians serving life sentences as part of the first phase of the Gaza ceasefire deal, has insisted that the most serious convicts are not returned to either Gaza or the West Bank. Egypt temporarily accepted 70 convicted murderers released last week. Of these, 15 are expected to be relocated to Turkey and the remainder to Qatar.
- Turkey and Qatar Have Supported the Iran-backed Hamas: Qatar provided funding to Hamas while hosting the group’s leaders in Doha and amplifying a virulently anti-Israel message through its state-sponsored global media network, Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has expressed his support for the terrorist group on numerous occasions since its massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023, even hosting the group’s remaining leaders on January 29.
FDD Expert Response
“Secretary Rubio highlights that Hamas’s actions, especially those on October 7, reveal the Islamist group’s ongoing threat to Israel. By demonstrating a pattern of irrational behavior, Hamas has become a persistent danger. Thus, prioritizing Hamas’s removal from power in Gaza is essential for ensuring stability in the region. However, it is crucial to have a viable alternative in place to ensure that this removal is successful.” — Joe Truzman, Senior Research Analyst and Editor at FDD’s Long War Journal
“This present situation is reminiscent of 2011, when Turkey and Hamas agreed to host convicted Hamas terrorists in exchange for the release of Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit. From that point onward, Hamas established deep links in Turkey and used the country, along with the opportunities provided by a friendly Erdogan government, to plan, fund, and carry out terrorist attacks in Israel. By choosing to host convicted Hamas murderers, Ankara is again giving Hamas a chance to regroup and reorganize, allowing it to once again engage in acts of terror.” — Sinan Ciddi, Non-Resident Senior Fellow
“Qatar already hosts Hamas’s political leadership. Now, the emirate is slated to absorb dozens of convicted murderers. Qatar’s next move will be key. Will Doha provide Hamas and Co. time and space to regroup or prove itself a good-faith partner in the fight against terrorism?” — Natalie Ecanow, Senior Research Analyst
FDD Background and Analysis
“10 Things to Know About Hamas and Qatar,” FDD Insight
“10 Things to Know About Hamas and Turkey,” FDD Insight
“State Department Warns Turkey Against Hosting Hamas Headquarters,” by Sinan Ciddi and Sophia Epley
“Qatar Must Extradite a Hamas Terrorist,” by Jonathan Schanzer and Natalie Ecanow