Official announcements from the U.S. State Department or Treasury

U.S. Concerned as Hamas Leaders, Including Khalil al-Hiya, Reportedly Move to Turkey

Nov 18, 2024, 10:27 AM

Reports have emerged that senior Hamas officials, including Khalil al-Hiya, head of the negotiation team on the hostage deal, have left Qatar and relocated to Turkey. Israeli media outlets, including Channel 11 Israel and Kan News, reported that Hamas leaders residing in Qatar departed for Turkey following pressure from Qatar. An Arab diplomat confirmed to The Times of Israel that the officials left last week after Qatar communicated that the leadership was unwelcome. Hamas is currently holding 101 hostages, including U.S. citizens. However, Hamas officially denied these reports, calling them rumors spread by Israel. Turkish diplomatic sources have also denied the reports, stating that while Hamas members visit Turkey from time to time, the group's political office has not moved to Turkey. The United States expressed concern over the reports, with the State Department indicating that it will make clear to Turkey that there can be no more business as usual with Hamas and that Hamas leaders, several of whom are under U.S. indictment, should be turned over to the U.S. The State Department stated, "We don't believe the leaders of a terrorist organization should be living comfortably anywhere."