Ahmad 
Hamas is planning to leave Qatar for Iraq, as both Doha and Washington have stepped up pressure on the movement’s leaders to show greater flexibility in talks regarding a ceasefire in Gaza.
Last month, the Iraqi government approved this step, while Iran will work to protect the movement’s leaders, offices, and individuals in Baghdad when it is implemented.
This step was discussed last May between the political leader of the Hamas movement, Ismail Haniyeh, and representatives of the Iraqi and Iranian governments. Haniyeh and Iraqi Prime Minister Muhammad Shia al-Sudani also discussed this decision by phone last month.
A prominent member of the Iraqi parliament, who has a close relationship with the movement, explained that the decision faces opposition from some Iraqi political groups, especially the Kurds and some Sunnis, who fear deepening differences with the United States. However, the Iraqi government stressed that it will not back down from its decision to host Hamas. .
Hamas opened a political office in Baghdad this month headed by senior official Muhammad al-Hafi and plans to open a media office in the city in the coming weeks.
The movement plans to maintain a representation in Doha to oversee relations with Qatar, which is expected to be among the main contributors to Gaza’s post-war reconstruction efforts.
This move came weeks after Hamas leaders were subjected to Qatari pressure to accept American proposals for a ceasefire and the exchange of Palestinian hostages and prisoners with Israel.
Hamas is committed to its position calling for a final ceasefire, complete withdrawal of Israeli forces, reconstruction of Gaza, and the unconditional return of displaced Palestinians.
This transition is likely to face new challenges in ceasefire negotiations, as Qatar is expected to have less influence over the movement that has controlled Gaza since 2007.
Egypt denies the understandings with Israel regarding the Philadelphia Axis and demands complete withdrawal