Turkey's ties with Hamas and the rising threat to Israel
The Israeli security agency has thwarted a planned terrorist attack orchestrated by Hamas from Turkey. This development underscores the growing threat to Israel and highlights the escalating tensions in the Middle East.
The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, reported the prevention of a terrorist attack in the West Bank, orchestrated by Hamas members operating out of Turkey. Turkey is becoming an increasing threat to Israel, as recent events have confirmed.
In January and February, Israeli forces detained six members of a local Hamas cell in Nablus. The investigation revealed that the group was directed by Hamas operatives residing in Turkey, who provided tens of thousands of dollars to finance attacks on Israeli security forces.
Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, conducted the most significant terrorist attack in Israel’s history on October 7, 2023, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people. This attack marked the beginning of the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas leadership has been in exile for years, primarily in Qatar, and they also receive support from Iran and Turkey. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has repeatedly stated that Ankara does not recognize Hamas as a terrorist organization, but rather as a Palestinian liberation movement.
In 2024, there were rumours that Qatar might expel Hamas's top leadership, potentially prompting the leaders to relocate to Turkey. Relations between Turkey and Israel have deteriorated further since the conflict began in the Gaza Strip, with Erdogan accusing Israel of genocide and drawing comparisons between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Adolf Hitler.
Increasing tensions between Turkey and Israel
Turkey has imposed a trade embargo on Israel and supports the new Syrian authorities, which Israel perceives as a threat to its security. A commission advising the Israeli government warned that Syria could become dependent on Ankara, potentially leading to confrontation between Israel and Turkey.
In recent decades, Israel's primary threats have come from Iran and its allies. Now, it is possible that Turkey could assume a similar position. As noted by "Israel Hayom", the situation in the Middle East could further escalate.
