Top Hamas leaders who had been based in Qatar have recently moved to Turkey, according to an Arab diplomat who shared this information with The Times of Israel on Sunday.

The diplomat clarified that members of Hamas’ overseas leadership often operate out of Turkey when not participating in meetings in Doha.

This development was initially reported by Kan 11 News, which noted the shift of Hamas leadership to Turkey.

The move comes after the United States last week formally requested that Qatar expel Hamas officials from its capital. Qatar has been a hub for Hamas since 2012. The U.S. cited Hamas’ refusal to accept multiple hostage exchange deals and the execution of six captives, one of whom was an American citizen, as reasons for the expulsion request.

While Qatar confirmed it was pausing its mediation role until both parties involved in the conflict demonstrated more willingness to cooperate, it denied reports that Hamas officials had been forced to leave the country. Qatar has played a central role, alongside Egypt and the U.S., in mediating recent discussions aimed at achieving a ceasefire and securing a hostage release agreement.

Despite Qatar stepping back from its mediation role, State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel emphasized that the Biden administration remains committed to pursuing a ceasefire deal in Gaza.

Turkey, like Qatar, has historically been a supporter of Hamas. In April, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan met with Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas’ political bureau at the time, in Istanbul.

Following the meeting, Erdogan stressed the importance of unity among Palestinian Arab factions, declaring, “The strongest response to Israel and the path to victory lie in unity and integrity.”

Shortly after, Erdogan publicly stated that over 1,000 Hamas members were receiving medical treatment in hospitals across Turkey. He also criticized Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis for labeling Hamas as a terrorist organization.

{Matzav.com Israel}