Hamas Moves Main Operations from Doha to Turkey Amid Regional Pressures

Hamas has relocated its primary organizational activities from Doha, Qatar, to Turkey, according to a report by the newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat. This shift aims to reduce pressure on Qatar from the United States and Israel, which have demanded that Hamas leaders leave the country, and to place Hamas officials in a location considered safer from potential Israeli airstrikes. The group has chosen Ankara as the venue for internal elections for the leadership of its political bureau, with meetings now held in Istanbul involving senior members of the political bureau and the Shura Council.

Despite the move, Hamas sources emphasized that relations with Doha remain strong. The relocation reflects a strategic decision to ease the burden on Qatar while securing a safer operational base. Concurrently, Hamas is working to improve its relations with Syria, a notable change from its previous distance from the Syrian arena. In recent months, Hamas issued two official statements condemning attacks in Damascus and expressing solidarity with "sister Syria" and its new leadership.

Hamas officials described this rapprochement with Syria as a natural step for a national liberation movement seeking ties with all countries. Although there are currently no plans for an official delegation visit to Syria, Hamas expects such a visit to materialize once the new Syrian government stabilizes and defines its priorities. This development signals Hamas's efforts to recalibrate its regional alliances amid ongoing geopolitical shifts.