Hamas denies Qatar to expel leaders, but says some to move

RAMALLAH, Palestinian Territory – Hamas is denying a report that host Qatar has asked several leaders of the Islamic militant group to leave, but says some senior officials may be shifted to new locations based on “work requirements.”

Sunday’s statement comes after the Lebanon-based TV station Al-Mayadeen reported that Qatar gave Hamas a list of leaders who should leave.

Qatari officials did not respond to a request for comment. Its state-run Qatar News Agency has been offline since an alleged hack in May that reignited tensions between the gas-rich nation and its Gulf Arab neighbours over its support of Islamist groups.

Hamas noted in its statement that the Palestinian group’s leadership is now based in the Gaza Strip, after Gaza native Ismail Haniyeh replaced Qatar-based Khaled Mashaal as the top leader in recent elections.