Increased Hamas activity from Turkey escalates Israeli tensions
The Israeli security agency has thwarted a planned terrorist attack orchestrated by Hamas from Turkey. This development serves as yet another warning regarding the increasing threats to Israel, underlining the rising tensions in the Middle East.
The Israeli security agency, Shin Bet, reported the prevention of a terrorist attack in the West Bank, which was allegedly organised by Hamas members operating from Turkey. Turkey is becoming an increasing threat to Israel, a concern underscored by recent events.
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 members residing in Turkey, who provided them with tens of thousands of dollars to organise attacks on Israeli security forces.
Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, carried out the largest terrorist attack in Israel’s history on 7th October 2023, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people. This attack initiated the ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip.
The Hamas leadership has been in exile for years, mainly in Qatar, and also receives support from Iran and Turkey. The President of Turkey, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, has repeatedly affirmed that Ankara does not recognise Hamas as a terrorist organisation, but as a Palestinian liberation movement.
In 2024, there were rumours suggesting that Qatar might expel the top leadership of Hamas, which could prompt the group's leaders to relocate to Turkey. Relations between Turkey and Israel deteriorated following the onset of the conflict 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, whom Israel considers a threat to its security. A commission advising the Israeli government warned that Syria could become dependent on Ankara, which might lead to a direct confrontation between Israel and Turkey.
The last few decades have been marked by threats to Israel primarily from Iran and its allies, but it is possible that Turkey may now assume that position. As noted by "Israel Hayom", the situation in the Middle East may further escalate.
