Ankara denies claims of Hamas political bureau relocating to Türkiye
Turkish Foreign Ministry headquarters in Ankara, Türkiye. (AA Photo)
Sources from Türkiye’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs have denied reports claiming that the Hamas Political Bureau has relocated to Türkiye.
Türkiye Today’s report on November 14, quoting Turkish security sources, highlighted that there had been no request or consideration for Hamas to move its headquarters to Türkiye.
Israeli media claimed earlier today that Hamas leadership has relocated to Türkiye recently.
‘Allegations do not reflect truth’
The Turkish Foreign Ministry clarified that while members of the Hamas Political Bureau occasionally visit the country, the assertion that the bureau has moved its headquarters to Türkiye is unfounded.
“Members of the Hamas Political Bureau visit Türkiye from time to time. The allegations that the Hamas Political Bureau has moved to Türkiye do not reflect the truth,” Foreign Ministry sources stated.
Hamas visits Türkiye, no permanent relocation
The Foreign Ministry’s sources emphasized that members of Hamas’ leadership do make periodic visits to Türkiye, but there is no permanent presence or relocation of the group’s political bureau.
The clarification follows recent media speculation regarding Hamas’ operations and its leadership activities within Türkiye.
No business with Hamas, says US
Meanwhile, U.S. issued a statement Monday against countries hosting members of Hamas, singling out Türkiye after recent reports.
“I’ve seen the reports that some of the leadership of Hamas, who had been in Doha, have now moved to Türkiye,” State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said during a press meeting Monday.
Miller did not confirm the reports, but said he was “not in a position to dispute” them.
“We will make clear to the government of Türkiye, as we have made clear to every country in the world, that there can be no more business as usual with Hamas,” he added.
The U.S. statement follows Türkiye’s denial of the allegations. Notably, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller acknowledged having seen news reports on the claims but did not mention Ankara’s denial.
