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The small state of Qatar, in Persian GulfOnce again occupying the center World DiplomacyThis time for Hamas’ efforts to broker deals to free hostages and evacuate foreign nationals from Gaza during its October 7 attacks on Israel.

On Wednesday, Qatar negotiated a Agreement between Israel, Hamas and Egypt, in coordination with the United States, to release foreign nationals and seriously injured Palestinian civilians from Gaza to Egypt, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The deal is independent of the hostage negotiations, the source added.

At least 110 foreign passport holders have left Gaza, officials on the Palestinian side of the Rafah border crossing said. According to Al-Qahera News, Al-Arish Hospital in Egypt has also started receiving injured Palestinians crossing from Gaza.

Qatar is a country A delicate diplomatic positionAccording to experts, the position has worked in his favor thus far, making him an indispensable ally for Washington.

The gas-rich monarchy maintains ties with Hamas, while also being one of America’s closest allies in the region. Meanwhile, he also maintains secondary contacts with Israel.

On the nature of Qatar’s relationship with Hamas: Following the upheavals of Arab Spring 2011Qatar has distanced itself from some of its Arab neighbors after supporting coup-seeking dissidents in several Arab countries.

Relations further soured when Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt cut diplomatic ties with Qatar in mid-2017, accusing the country of supporting terrorism, which Qatar has repeatedly denied. It took years for the countries to mend relations.

In 2012 Iran-backed Hamas allowed it to establish a political office in Doha, which remains operational. Even Qatar pay salary For the public sector in Gaza, part of the scholarship 30 million USD per month Fuel for households and electricity, according to Reuters.

It maintains close relations with the West Energy providerIt is increasingly important as one of the world’s largest gas producers and plays a key role in US arms purchases.

But some have said Qatar’s relationship with Hamas could become a liability. Doha has been criticized by Israel and Western politicians for its ties to Hamas.

Despite its mediation efforts, Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen last week accused Qatar of funding Hamas and harboring its leaders.

In response, Qatar said it was “surprised and dismayed” by the Israeli minister’s comments, especially “at a time when Qatar is trying to free prisoners and de-escalate tensions.”