Official spokesperson for the Palestinian movement Hamas, Izzat al-Rishq, has denied reports that the leadership is considering relocating its political office from Qatar to Iraq.
Earlier, The National reported, citing sources, that Hamas might move its political office from Doha to Baghdad due to pressure from Qatar and the United States. They are reportedly urging Hamas to show more flexibility in negotiations over a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and the release of Israeli hostages. According to the publication, Qatari authorities have threatened to close Hamas's office in Doha and freeze its assets outside Gaza if a ceasefire agreement is not reached.
"The claims circulated by Sky News Arabia, based on The National, that Hamas plans to leave Qatar for Iraq are baseless," al-Rishq wrote on Telegram.
According to the publication, the Iraqi government approved the possible relocation of Hamas's political office to Baghdad. Sources from The National reported that Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh discussed this possibility with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed al-Sudani and other government members last month. According to these sources, Hamas opened an office in Baghdad in June, led by Mohammed al-Hafi, although the leaders have not yet set a relocation date.
The National sources also claimed that Iran's authorities would ensure the safety of Hamas leaders in the Iraqi capital. Reportedly, "Hamas security and logistics groups" have already been sent to Baghdad to oversee the preparations for the leadership's move.
Meanwhile, a member of the Iraqi parliament told The National that there is no consensus in the political circles of the republic regarding Hamas moving to Baghdad. "Some, especially the Kurds and some Sunnis, fear that this will deepen disagreements with the United States. But despite the lack of consensus, the government's decision to host Hamas is irrevocable," The National quoted the unnamed parliamentarian.
Qatar's Position
Earlier, Qatar's Prime Minister and Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, stated that Hamas's political office in Doha would remain operational at least until the end of the conflict in the Gaza Strip. According to the Qatari prime minister, Hamas's office was opened in the Qatari capital in 2012 to provide a communication channel that "proved its effectiveness," including facilitating the release of over 100 Israeli hostages during a humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
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Photo: Vahid Salemi/AP/TASS
Based on TASS materials