Turkey Banks News Asking Hamas To Leave Their Country

JAKARTA - Turkey's diplomatic sources dismissed reports that Hamas had moved its political office to Turkey from Qatar. The source said members of the Palestinian militant group only occasionally visited the country.

Doha last week confirmed it had informed Hamas and Israel it would stop efforts to mediate a ceasefire in Gaza and a deal to release hostages, until they showed willingness and seriousness.

The source also said media reports said they had asked Hamas to leave the country inaccurate.

Turkey, a NATO member, strongly criticized Israel for its attacks on Gaza and Lebanon and did not consider Hamas a terrorist organization. Several Hamas political officials regularly visit Turkey.

Members of the Hamas Political Bureau visit Turkey from time to time. Claims showing the Hamas Political Bureau has moved to Turkey do not reflect the truth, "said the diplomatic source.