Hamas shifts covert organizational units, activities to Turkey following Qatari crackdown

Hamas is reportedly relocating several covert organizational units, including its planning and cyber departments, to Turkey, according to KAN. This move follows a crackdown by Qatari security forces, who have restricted the movement of Hamas's leadership within Qatar and require permission for official meetings. The shift is attributed to Qatar's disapproval of Hamas's appointment of Khalil al-Hayya as its new political bureau chief, replacing Yahya Sinwar, who died in October 2024. Qatar had favored Khaled Meshaal due to his closer ties to the country, while al-Hayya is seen as more aligned with Iran. Qatar will continue to host Hamas's leadership and public activities. Al-Hayya recently met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan, who "reiterated Turkey's strong support for what he called the 'just cause' of the Palestinians in every field and on every international platform."