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Hamas shifts covert organizational units, activities to Turkey following Qatari crackdown

From Jerusalem Post · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources Context piece
  • Hamas is reportedly moving some of its covert organizational activities, including planning and cyber departments, to Turkey.
  • Qatar will continue to host the terror organization's leadership and public-facing activities.
  • The move follows Qatari security forces restricting Hamas leadership's movement and a dispute over the appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as the new political bureau chief.

Hamas is shifting key organizational functions, including its planning and cyber departments, to Turkey, according to Palestinian sources cited by KAN. This relocation involves the majority of the group's covert activities, while Qatar is expected to maintain its role as host for Hamas's leadership and public engagements.

The move comes amid increased scrutiny and restrictions from Qatari security forces, which now require Hamas leadership to seek permission for official meetings. This tightening of control is reportedly linked to Qatar's disapproval of Hamas's recent decision to appoint Khalil al-Hayya as the new head of its political bureau. Qatar had favored Khaled Meshaal, who has closer ties to the Gulf state, over the Iran-aligned al-Hayya.

Khalil al-Hayya, who served as a chief negotiator during the Israel-Hamas War, was appointed to lead Hamas's political bureau on July 20, filling a vacancy left by Yahyah Sinwar's death in October 2024. Al-Hayya, based in Qatar himself, recently met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. Fidan reaffirmed Turkey's support for the Palestinian cause during the meeting, according to Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency.

Fidan reiterated Turkey’s strong support for what he called the ‘just cause’ of the Palestinians in every field and on every international platform.

— Anadolu AgencyReporting on the meeting between Khalil al-Hayya and Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan.
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Originally published by Jerusalem Post. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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