Hold Qatar, Al Jazaeera Accountable for Legitimizing Hamas

In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Israel on October 7, in which 1,400 individuals tragically lost their lives to Hamas, many, including myself, quickly pointed fingers at the Iranian regime because of its funding, arming, and training of the terrorist group. However, while Iran’s complicity in the attack is undeniable, Qatar has also played a pivotal role in empowering Hamas, providing it with roughly $360 million to $480 million annually and luxurious housing for its leaders in Doha.

But the energy-rich monarchy also supplies Hamas with another asset whose value is immeasurable and which no other country could realistically replace: international legitimacy. Since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war, Qatar has continued to supply this intangible benefit — chiefly granted through its international media conglomerate, the Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) and its web of subsidiaries.

EF

About the Author

Eitan Fischberger

Eitan Fischberger is an international-relations and Middle East analyst. His work has appeared in The Hill, Tablet, and other publications.

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In the wake of the devastating terror attack in Israel on October 7, in which 1,400 individuals tragically lost their lives to Hamas, many, including myself, quickly pointed fingers at the Iranian regime because of its funding, arming, and training of the terrorist group. However, while Iran’s complicity in the attack is undeniable, Qatar has also played a pivotal role in empowering Hamas, providing it with roughly $360 million to $480 million annually and luxurious housing for its leaders in Doha.

But the energy-rich monarchy also supplies Hamas with another asset whose value is immeasurable and which no other country could realistically replace: international legitimacy. Since the outbreak of the Israel–Hamas war, Qatar has continued to supply this intangible benefit — chiefly granted through its international media conglomerate, the Al Jazeera Media Network (AJMN) and its web of subsidiaries.