Hamas has moved a significant part of its center of gravity from Qatar to Turkey in recent months, according to a report by the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat cited by N12. The shift is reflected in the organization's decision to hold internal elections for the head of the political bureau in Istanbul last May, which ended inconclusively, with the continuation expected to take place there as well.
The Zioneer reported earlier today (10:04 Jerusalem) that Hamas has been moving its leadership meetings from Qatar to Turkey. A new report from the Saudi newspaper Asharq Al-Awsat, cited by N12, adds that the organization has shifted a significant part of its center of gravity to Turkey, as evidenced by holding internal elections for the head of the political bureau in Istanbul in May. The elections ended without a decision, and the continuation is expected to take place in Turkey as well.
This development comes amid growing concerns in Israel about Turkey's role as a hub for Hamas operatives. As The Zioneer has previously reported, the Shin Bet and IDF detailed dozens of foiled attacks directed by Hamas operatives in Turkey, and former Mossad officials have warned that Turkey is becoming the new center of gravity for the organization.
4 developments
- StrongHamas says delegation completed Cairo talks, heading to Turkey
- StrongArab report: Hamas delegation flies from Cairo to Turkey ahead of expanded ceasefire talks
- DevelopingHamas awaits Israeli elections amid stalled Phase 2 talks, disappointed with Iran
- DevelopingFormer Mossad official warns Turkey becoming Hamas's new center of gravity
Source and signal
- Internal intake