Yoni Ben Menachem warns that Istanbul is emerging as Hamas’s most important command center outside Gaza.
Israel’s campaign has severely damaged Hamas’s military leadership and command structure inside the Gaza Strip, but the terrorist organization is adapting by moving its strategic center of gravity abroad—primarily to Turkey.
According to analyst Yoni Ben Menachem, Istanbul has gradually become Hamas’s leading foreign base since October 7, replacing the organization’s former reliance on several centers, including Doha, Damascus and Beirut.
From Turkey, senior Hamas officials can conduct foreign relations, hold strategic consultations and preserve the organization’s political and operational leadership even if Israel completely dismantles its infrastructure in Gaza.