Hamas Plans to Move Cyber and Planning Operations to Turkey Amid Qatar Restrictions

Hamas is preparing to relocate most of its covert activities, including its planning and cyber departments, to Turkey, according to Palestinian sources cited by Kan News on Wednesday. This move is expected to transfer the majority of the organization's behind-the-scenes operations, while its public leadership will remain in Qatar. The decision follows security restrictions imposed by Qatari authorities on Hamas leaders, who now require prior approval for any official meetings or receptions held in Doha.

The shift comes after Qatar expressed dissatisfaction with the recent appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as head of Hamas's political bureau, a position that had been vacant since the killing of Yahya Sinwar in October 2024. Qatar had reportedly supported the appointment of Khaled Meshaal instead. Palestinian sources told Kan News that Qatar is effectively "punishing" Hamas due to al-Hayya's selection. Al-Hayya was appointed about two weeks ago, succeeding Sinwar, who himself had replaced Ismail Haniyeh following his assassination.

This strategic relocation reflects internal tensions within Hamas's leadership and the complex regional dynamics involving Qatar and Turkey. The move to Turkey aims to circumvent the limitations imposed by Qatar and maintain the organization's operational capabilities in planning and cyber warfare.