A source within Turkey’s diplomatic corps has denied reports that Hamas has relocated its political office from Qatar to Turkey. The source added that members of the Palestinian Islamist organisation have only visited Turkey occasionally.
Last week, Doha informed both Hamas and Israel that it would cease its mediation efforts aimed at achieving a ceasefire in Gaza and securing the release of hostages until both sides demonstrate seriousness and willingness.
Doha also dismissed media reports claiming it had asked Hamas to leave Qatar as false.
Turkey, a NATO member, has strongly criticised Israel’s operations in Gaza and Lebanon and does not consider Hamas a terrorist organisation. Some of Hamas’s political leaders routinely visit Turkey.
“Members of Hamas’s Political Office occasionally visit Turkey. Claims suggesting that the Political Office has relocated to Turkey do not correspond to reality,” said the diplomatic source.
Also read: Hamas calls the US a “partner” in the “genocide” of Palestinians by Israel
Source: ANA-MPA, Reuters
