Hamas Shifts Operations Center to Türkiye Amid Security Concerns

Hamas has significantly relocated its organizational hub and internal operations to Türkiye in recent months, a move that contrasts with its previous distanced approach to the country. This strategic shift has coincided with the group's efforts to engage with Syria's new government and follows Turkish security operations that have dismantled alleged Israeli Mossad networks operating within Türkiye.

The clearest indication of Hamas's growing reliance on Ankara emerged in May when the group held internal elections for its political bureau chief in Türkiye, though the vote concluded without a decisive outcome. Three sources familiar with the group's operations revealed that Hamas has resumed holding its meetings in Türkiye after years of utilizing Qatar's capital, Doha, for such gatherings and elections. This relocation is seen as a way to alleviate pressure on Qatar, which has faced U.S. demands, driven by Israel, to expel Hamas leaders.

Historically, Turkish security agencies have announced the dismantling of "espionage networks working for Israel’s Mossad," with some investigations suggesting these networks were involved in tracking Hamas activities in Türkiye. Prominent figures like Saleh al-Arouri, Hamas's former deputy political bureau chief, resided in Türkiye between 2011 and 2015 before moving to Beirut. The recent Istanbul election for the political bureau head, attended by leaders from both the political bureau and the Shura Council, underscores Türkiye's current importance for Hamas's internal affairs. While Hamas leaders maintain strong ties with Qatari officials, Türkiye is now perceived as a safer destination for their operations.