4 Hamas Leaders Expelled to Qatar

Jordan sent four jailed leaders of the Palestinian militant group Hamas to Qatar, apparently to live in exile, while 21 other members were also pardoned in exchange for halting activities in the kingdom. The move caps a crackdown that came after pressure from the United States, Israel and the Palestinians for Jordan to restrain the Islamic fundamentalist group. The ban on activities would seemingly deny Hamas an important location in which to operate close to Israel and the Palestinian territories. Under a deal struck with the government, the group must keep its Jordanian offices closed and prohibit its members from partaking in Hamas activities inside the kingdom. Hamas, based in the Gaza Strip, is opposed to peace with Israel and advocates the nation’s annihilation. Hamas has claimed responsibility for scores of deadly attacks on Israeli targets.