Hamas has moved its main organizational operations to Turkey, the Saudi newspaper A-Sharq Al-Awsat reported overnight Thursday. The terror group chose Ankara as the venue for internal elections for leadership of its political bureau.
1+Sources within the terror organization confirmed to the newspaper that meetings that took place in recent years in the Qatari capital Doha are now being held in Istanbul, with senior members of the political bureau and the Shura Council participating.
Despite reports of possible friction with Qatar, Hamas officials emphasized that relations with Doha remain “strong.” According to them, the move to Turkey was primarily intended to ease pressure on Qatar from the U.S. and Israel demanding the expulsion of the organization’s senior officials, and because Turkey is assessed to be a safer destination from Israeli airstrikes.
1+New Strategy Toward Syria
Alongside establishing itself in Turkey, the terror organization is working to change its relationship with Syria. In recent months, Hamas issued two official condemnation statements for attacks that occurred in Damascus, expressing solidarity with “sister Syria” and its new leadership. This marks a notable shift in approach, as the organization previously kept its distance from the Syrian arena.
Hamas officials said the attempt to open a new page with the Syrian regime is a natural move for a national liberation movement seeking relations with all countries. While there is no plan for an official delegation visit at this stage, the organization estimates this possibility will mature after the new government in Syria stabilizes and formulates its priorities.