Two officials from Hamas denied on Saturday reports suggesting that the movement's leadership is considering leaving Qatar for another host country. The officials stated that the movement aims to strengthen relations with Turkey, including receiving direct assistance from the country, according to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz." Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh met with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Istanbul on Saturday. Erdoğan's office stated that both sides discussed the necessary steps for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza and the continuous need to deliver humanitarian aid to Gaza's residents.
The American newspaper "The Wall Street Journal" reported on Saturday that Hamas had reached out to at least two countries in the region regarding the relocation of its political leaders. The newspaper, citing diplomatic sources, explained that Hamas's move came as a result of pressure from mediators in Egypt and Qatar urging the movement to ease its negotiating conditions with Israel. It noted that talks have stalled again, with no signs or prospects for resuming them anytime soon, and distrust is growing between Hamas and the negotiators.
Hamas rejected the latest proposal for an agreement, stating that any new agreement concerning hostages must end the war in Gaza and include the withdrawal of all Israeli forces. The mediators' proposal involves the release of 42 detainees in Gaza in exchange for the release of 800 to 900 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel, the entry of 400 to 500 trucks of food aid daily, and the return of displaced persons from northern Gaza to their towns, according to a source from Hamas.
