Turkey deports Hamas activists

Sources close to the file of the Palestinians in Turkey confirmed reports that a number of Palestinian activists from the “Hamas” movement, and others on Interpol’s wanted lists, were deported for committing crimes.

The sources, who spoke to Asharq Al-Awsat on condition of anonymity, distanced themselves from confirming or denying Israeli reports yesterday about the Turkish authorities’ deportation of dozens of Hamas members during the past months, based on a list provided. to it from the Israeli side.

While no official position or statement was issued by Ankara, media outlets opposed to the Turkish government highlighted the Israeli reports, pointing to the current tension between Hamas and Ankara, especially after Ankara condemned an attack in Tel Aviv in late March. As a result, 5 Israelis were killed, including a policeman.

Yesterday, the Israeli newspaper, Israel Hayom, reported that Turkey had expelled a number of Hamas activists in recent months, and quoted a Palestinian source as saying that there were dozens of activists affiliated with the movement from different circles.

According to the source, Israel was linked to the move.

For its part, sources close to Hamas in Gaza told Asharq Al-Awsat that Turkey has already informed Hamas activists to leave, and has prevented the return of others. She added that the Turks informed the movement’s officials months ago that their stay in Turkey is contingent on stopping any activity against Israel.

The sources confirmed that with the passage of time, Turkey tightened its measures against the movement, thanks to the rapprochement with Israel, which is a disturbing rapprochement for the movement that does not want to burn ships with the Turkish president, and it still has a presence on Turkish soil that it does not want to lose.
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