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

Hamas is transferring covert organizational units, including planning and cyber departments, to Turkey following Qatari restrictions on its leadership. Palestinian sources say most covert activities will move, while Qatar hosts the leadership and public-facing activities. The move follows Qatar's disapproval of Khalil al-Hayya's appointment as Hamas leader, preferring Khaled Meshaal.

Hamas is moving parts of its covert organizational structure, including planning and cyber units, to Turkey, according to a KAN report on Wednesday. Palestinian sources indicate that most of Hamas's clandestine operations will relocate, while Qatar continues to host the group's leadership and public activities. The shift follows Qatari restrictions on Hamas leaders' movements, requiring permission for official meetings, after Hamas appointed Khalil al-Hayya as its political bureau chief on July 20, a role vacant since Yahya Sinwar's death in October 2024. Qatar had backed Khaled Meshaal, who had closer ties to Doha, over the Iran-aligned al-Hayya. Al-Hayya, who served as chief negotiator during the Israel-Hamas war, met Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last week, his first high-level meeting since his election. Turkey's state-run Anadolu Agency reported Fidan reiterated strong support for the Palestinian cause. The move signals a shift in Hamas's regional backing as it navigates relations with Qatar and Turkey.