All articles tagged with #us qatar relations
The US is preparing to retrofit a $400 million Qatari Boeing 747-8 to serve as Air Force One for President Trump, a gift that has sparked political controversy over legality and potential foreign influence, with costs for modifications potentially reaching hundreds of millions.
Qatar has unconditionally donated a Boeing jet to the US Pentagon, intended to be used as a new Air Force One after upgrades, with the transfer confirmed by a signed memorandum of understanding, though the process involves significant retrofitting costs and ethical considerations.
The US has urged Qatar to expel Hamas' political leaders from Doha after the group rejected a deal to release Israeli hostages, a move Qatar has reportedly agreed to. This demand follows failed negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Qatar, a key US ally, has hosted Hamas leaders since 2012 and has been involved in mediation efforts. US lawmakers are also pressing for Qatar to freeze Hamas' assets and hand over its leaders.
Qatar has expressed openness to reconsidering the presence of Hamas in the country once the crisis is resolved and the release of hostages is secured, according to a senior U.S. official. The understanding was reached during a meeting between U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani. Qatar, in coordination with the U.S., is leading mediation talks between Hamas and Israeli officials to secure the release of over 200 hostages taken in a cross-border attack. The role of Qatar and the presence of Hamas in the country have faced criticism in Congress, with lawmakers urging President Joe Biden to pressure Qatar to expel Hamas leadership. The United States has issued sanctions targeting Hamas and its funding sources.