Hamas and Turkey deny reports of plots against Israel officials from Istanbul
Hamas and Turkey deny reports of plots against Israel officials from Istanbul
It follows a report in UK media that claimed Hamas is plotting attacks on Israel from Turkey.
2 min read
Hamas are active in Turkey [Getty]
Palestinian group Hamas have snubbed a British newspaper report claiming that Turkey is turning a blind eye to their Istanbul-based representatives' activities, including alleged plots to assassinate Israeli officials.
The Daily Telegraph released a report claiming to have "evidence of senior Hamas officials" using Istanbul to direct operations, which allegedly include the assassinations of Israeli officials in the occupied West Bank and in Jerusalem.
The report said the Ankara government is in full knowledge of Hamas activities in Turkey and that Turkish intelligence agents are in close contact with the group’s operatives in Istanbul.
Both Hamas and Turkey have denied the reports.
"These are baseless allegations that aim to negatively affect Hamas’ relationship with Turkey. Hamas’ resistance activities are conducted only in the land of occupied Palestine," said Hamas spokesperson Hazem Qasem.
"Hamas' resistance activities are conducted only in the land of occupied Palestine," another spokesperson for the group said.
A Turkish diplomat also denied the "baseless allegations", saying Hamas has not planned any attacks on Israel from Turkey.
He said Hamas has a presence in Turkey because it is "not a terrorist organisation", but a legitimate Palestinian political party.
Read also: Egypt rejects Haniyeh's foreign tour due to previous visits to Iran, Turkey and Qatar
A number of countries, including Turkey, have open relations with the political bureau of Hamas.
The political wing of Hamas is not designated as a terrorist group by the UK's Home Office, but their military wing Izz al-Din al-Qassem Brigades is.
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