Israel exposes Iran-directed Hamas network in Turkey
Israel’s military and security service said this week they uncovered a Hamas money‑exchange network operating in Turkey under Iran’s direction, moving hundreds of millions of dollars to Hamas and helping rebuild capabilities outside Gaza. The IDF and ISA named three Gazan operatives in Turkey—Tamer Hassan, Khalil Farwana and Farid Abu Dair—and released documents showing currency transfers, as Washington debates whether to allow Turkish troops in a U.S.-backed postwar Gaza stabilization mission.
📌 Key Facts
- IDF and ISA allege exiled Gazans used Turkey’s financial system to funnel 'hundreds of millions' to Hamas.
- Released documents include records of currency transfers totaling hundreds of thousands of dollars as samples.
- Named operatives: Tamer Hassan (reporting to Khalil al‑Hayya), and currency exchangers Khalil Farwana and Farid Abu Dair.
- Israel says Iran’s support is enabling Hamas to rebuild operational capabilities outside Gaza.
- The disclosure comes amid a U.S. debate over Turkey’s role in a potential U.S.-backed Gaza stabilization mission.
📊 Relevant Data
As of 2024, more than 30,000 Palestinians reside in Turkey, representing approximately 0.035% of Turkey's total population of about 85 million.
Palestinians in Turkey: their lives, residence, and numbers — Imtilak Real Estate
In a 2024 survey, 83% of the Turkish population declared their support for Palestine in the context of Israel's war on Gaza after October 7, 2023.
Public Opinion and Reaction to Israel's War on Gaza after October 7 in Türkiye — Insight Turkey
In an October 2023 poll, public support for Hamas in Turkey was at 11.3%, while 60.9% urged the government to stay neutral or mediate peace between Hamas and Israel.
Public support for Hamas in Turkey is at 11,3%. 60.9% urges government to stay neutral or mediate peace between Hamas&Israel. Support for Israel is at 3%. — Reddit (referencing MetroPOLL survey)
Iran has provided over $220 million in financial support to Hamas, as revealed in secret letters found during the Gaza war.
Iran's Over $220M Support To Hamas Revealed In Times Report — Iran International
As of 2023, Turkey hosts approximately 3.6 million forcibly displaced people, making it the world's leading refugee-hosting country and representing about 4.2% of its total population of 85 million.
The World's Leading Refugee Host, Turkey Sees Benefits, Faces Backlash for Its Open-Door Approach — Migration Policy Institute