A Turkish diplomatic source refuted reports on Monday suggesting that Hamas has transferred its political office from Qatar to Turkey, emphasizing that members of the Palestinian group only make occasional visits to the country.
Last week, Qatar announced it would suspend its mediation efforts between Hamas and Israel for a ceasefire and hostage release until both parties demonstrated genuine commitment. Qatar also denied media reports claiming it had instructed Hamas to leave the Gulf state.
Turkey, a NATO member, has been vocal in its criticism of Israeli military operations in Gaza and Lebanon and does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Some members of Hamas’s political bureau frequently visit Turkey.
“Hamas Political Bureau members visit Turkey occasionally. Claims that the Hamas Political Bureau has relocated to Turkey are untrue,” the Turkish diplomatic source stated.
Later on Monday, Hamas dismissed the reports as “rumors the (Israeli) occupation is trying to spread from time to time.”
