Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan
A Turkish diplomatic source has denied reports that the Hamas terrorist organisation has moved its political office from Qatar to Turkey. Speaking to Reuters on Monday (18 November), the source said that Hamas members only visit Turkey periodically and that the information about the establishment of a permanent office is not true.
“Members of the Hamas political bureau visit Turkey from time to time. Claims that Hamas’ political office has moved to Turkey are not true,” the source said.
Earlier, Israeli media outlets, including The Times of Israel and the Jerusalem Post, reported that Hamas’s political office could move to Turkey after the breakdown of relations between the organisation and the Qatari government. These reports came against the backdrop of Qatar’s announcement that it would stop mediating in the talks between Israel and Hamas.
Context of the situation
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has repeatedly criticised Israel for its military actions in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. Turkey does not officially recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation, instead calling it a “resistance movement”.
Qatar, which had previously been actively involved in mediation between Israel and Hamas, said last week that it would return to negotiations only if both sides were seriously prepared.
Turkey has so far avoided official comments on the possible expansion of Hamas’ presence in the country, which has caused further speculation in the international community.
