Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan dismissed reports today claiming that Hamas’ political bureau had moved its operations to Turkey.
“The reports on the subject are ‘gossip’ that are part of an attempt by the US to pressure Hamas to agree to a deal,” said Fidan.
The claims follow a recent confirmation by an Arab diplomat that prominent members of Hamas’ overseas leadership had relocated from Qatar to Turkey.
However, the diplomat clarified that it is not unusual for Hamas officials abroad to stay in Turkey when they are not engaged in meetings in Doha.
This development comes after the United States requested that Qatar expel Hamas officials from Doha, which has served as a hub for the organization since 2012.
Two weeks ago, Qatar announced it would temporarily step back from its mediation efforts, citing a lack of commitment from both sides, but denied expelling Hamas leaders or permanently closing their office in the country.
Qatar has confirmed that senior Hamas figures outside Gaza, along with other key negotiators, have left Doha. However, it emphasized that the Hamas office there remains operational.
Turkey, like Qatar, has been a supporter of Hamas. In April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan hosted Ismail Haniyeh, then-leader of Hamas’ political bureau, in Istanbul.
Following the meeting, Erdogan highlighted the importance of Palestinian unity, stating, “The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity.”
Later that month, Erdogan revealed that over 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical treatment in Turkish hospitals. He also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for referring to Hamas as a terrorist organization.
{Matzav.com}