Hamas establishes Turkey as new strategic safe haven

Hamas has shifted its organizational centre of gravity to Turkey, reversing a years‑long trend of scaling back its presence there. The move is evidenced by recent leadership meetings, internal elections and public statements conducted in Istanbul, including a runoff that resulted in Khalil al‑Hayya becoming the movement’s Political Bureau head.

Turkish authorities have highlighted alleged Mossad espionage networks monitoring Hamas operatives, while Israel has repeatedly called for Turkey to expel senior Hamas figures. Hamas also expressed solidarity with victims of recent attacks in Syria, seeking closer ties with Turkey’s new leadership under President Ahmed al‑Sharaa. The shift follows a rift with Qatar, where previous elections and meetings were held, and comes after an Israeli airstrike on senior Hamas officials in Doha last September.