U.S. warns Türkiye against harboring Hamas leaders amid relocation reports

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller addressed the reports, first published by Israeli broadcaster KAN, stating that the United States opposes any country providing refuge to Hamas leaders. “The leaders of a vicious terrorist organization should not be living comfortably anywhere,” Miller said during a press briefing on Monday. 

Miller reiterated that the U.S. has urged all nations, including Türkiye, to sever ties with Hamas. He highlighted a Justice Department indictment unsealed in September against several top Hamas officials, including Khaled Meshaal, charging them with conspiring to kill U.S. citizens during the October 7 attack on southern Israel. Seven Americans remain in Gaza, with three confirmed dead following the assault. 

“We believe they should be turned over to the United States,” Miller said, emphasizing the U.S. position on prosecuting Hamas leaders under indictment. 

Reports suggest that Hamas leaders relocated from Qatar to Türkiye after rejecting a U.S.-backed hostage-release proposal. An Arab diplomat indicated that the move might not be permanent, describing the departure from Doha as a standard reaction to stalled negotiations. 

Qatar, under U.S. pressure, reportedly asked Hamas leaders to leave its territory. However, Qatar’s Foreign Ministry distanced itself from claims that it had fully severed ties with the group. 

An unnamed Turkish diplomatic source denied claims that Hamas relocated its political headquarters to Türkiye, asserting instead that Hamas members only “visit Türkiye from time to time.” Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has consistently described Hamas as a “liberation group” and maintains a relationship with its senior leadership. 

In recent months, the Biden administration has imposed sanctions targeting individuals and organizations in Türkiye accused of financially supporting Hamas. Despite these actions, Türkiye’s position on Hamas diverges significantly from that of the United States, complicating diplomatic relations between the two NATO allies. (ILKHA)