Jerusalem Post/Middle EastPalestinian sources say that the transfer to Turkey involves most of Hamas's covert activities, while Qatar will continue to host the terror organization's leadership and public-facing activities.Follow us on GoogleKhalil al-Hayya, senior leader and top Hamas legislative candidate, smiles during an interview with AFP at his office in Gaza City on April 21, 2021;illustrative(photo credit: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP via Getty Images)ByJONAH DAVIDOVAUGUST 5, 2026 11:22Hamas is transferring some of its organizational activities, including its planning and cyber departments, to Turkey, KAN reported on Wednesday.Palestinian sources say that the transfer to Turkey involves most of Hamas's covert activities, while Qatar will continue to host the terror organization's leadership and public-facing activities.According to KAN, security forces in Qatar have bound the movement of Hamas's leadership throughout their territory, requiring them to obtain permission for any official meetings.This comes as a result of Hamas's decision to appoint Khalil al-Hayya as its leader, which Qatar disapproved of.enior Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya peaks during an anti-Israel rally organised by the Hamas movement in Gaza. (credit: MOHAMMED SALEM/REUTERS)Qatar preferred another candidate, al-Hayya seeks alternate tiesThe Qataris instead backed Khaled Meshaal, who had closer ties to Qatar than the Iran-backed al-Hayya.Al-Hayya, who is himself based in Qatar, met with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan last week in his first high-level meeting since being elected to his new role on July 20. “Fidan reiterated Turkey’s strong support for what he called the ‘just cause’ of the Palestinians in every field and on every international platform,” Turkey's state-run media, Anadolu Agency, announced.Seth J. Frantzman contributed to this report.Follow us on Google