Hamas's Quiet Step — How Terrorists Prepared to Leave Qatar

Hamas has begun preparations to move part of its underground structures from Qatar to Turkey, including planning units and cyber units. The political leadership will remain in Doha. The decision was made amid increased Qatari oversight and tensions following the selection of Khalil al-Hayya as leader instead of Khaled Mashal, whom Doha preferred.

Hamas has begun preparations to move part of its underground structures from Qatar to Turkey. According to Palestinian sources, this concerns units operating outside the public sphere: planning structures, cyber units, and other bodies responsible for organizational activity. The movement's political and public leadership will continue to operate in Doha. The decision for a partial transfer was made amid increased Qatari oversight of Hamas's activities on its territory. Earlier, it was reported that Qatari security forces introduced new restrictions, including a requirement for prior permission to hold official meetings. Tensions rose after the selection of a new Hamas leader: Qatar preferred Khaled Mashal, but Khalil al-Hayya became the leader. Changes in leadership and increased oversight were key factors influencing the decision to redistribute activities outside Qatar.