Istanbul is being considered as a possible new base for Hamas's political bureau

Hamas's political bureau may move from Doha to Istanbul after Algeria failed to respond to a request to host it. Turkey and Algeria are among the options being considered for the bureau's new base, while Hamas representatives and a network of political connections are present in Turkey.

Scraper SystemAugust 17, 2026, 04:23 PM

Istanbul is being considered as a possible new base for Hamas's political bureau

Hamas's political bureau, which operates in Doha, may move to Istanbul. The option is being considered after the movement's leaders did not receive a positive response to their request to relocate some of them to Algeria.

Turkey is considered the most likely option for a new base for Hamas's political and organizational activities. Along with Algeria, Turkey is among the countries being discussed as a destination for Hamas leaders.

Istanbul and Algeria options

Hamas representatives are present in Turkey, where a network maintaining the movement's political connections also operates. Algeria has not yet approved Hamas's request to relocate its leadership there.

Hamas's political bureau operated for many years from Doha, the capital of Qatar. The search for a new base is allegedly linked to a deadlock in ceasefire talks in Gaza and political pressure on Qatar's leadership.

Security risk in Doha

An attack allegedly targeting a meeting of Hamas leaders was carried out in Doha in September 2025. Hamas members and a Qatari security officer were allegedly killed in the incident, while the attack was seen as having increased the security risk for the movement's leaders.

Qatar had previously been accused of supporting Hamas and providing shelter to its representatives. The Doha administration denied the accusations and said it was mediating talks between Israel and the Palestinian group.

Source: RIA Novosti

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