A significant figure from the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas, who has since moved to Turkey, has revealed critical insights into the relationships between Hamas and the Turkish government led by Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Musa Akkari, a senior member of Hamas, provided firsthand accounts emphasizing the protection and support that Erdoğan’s administration offers to Hamas operatives, assuring them they would be treated with familial care.
Insider Insights on Hamas in Turkey
Akkari, born in Jerusalem and a veteran of Hamas’s military faction, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, shared these insights during a lengthy interview aired on Akit TV, an outlet known for its hardline Islamist views. His remarks serve as one of the most detailed depictions of Turkey functioning as a haven for Hamas affiliates, especially following the 2011 Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange. During this pivotal exchange, Akkari and nine other Hamas-linked prisoners were transported from Israel to Turkey via Egypt, facilitated by a government aircraft sent by Erdoğan at the time.
Thus, Akkari’s journey to Turkey was not simply a personal escape; it marked a larger endorsement of Hamas by the Turkish state. Since arriving in Ankara, Akkari has taken on an active role in supporting Hamas’s operations, establishing himself as a central figure in Turkey’s pro-Hamas network. He has forged connections with high-ranking Turkish officials, participated in public events, and coordinated various fundraising and political outreach initiatives on behalf of Hamas. His participation in significant meetings, including one with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Turkish officials, indicates his strategic importance within both Hamas and Turkish political circles.
Affiliations and Operations
Akkari’s involvement with Hamas extends to various organizations, including his work with Kubbe Medya ve Eğitim Dış Ticaret Limited Şirketi, linked to Hamas and based in Istanbul. Although Akkari is not formally listed as an owner, his operational role is evident from his professional profiles. The company’s leadership has shifted over time, which allows Hamas-linked individuals to maintain influence while minimizing scrutiny from regulatory bodies.
His founding of the Palestine Diplomacy Center in Turkey aligns with the group’s broader objectives, as he took over the role of Hamas representative in February 2023. Following his designation by the U.S. as a global terrorist in June 2024, Akkari refrained from public appearance but continued managing clandestine operations linked to Hamas. This strategy of promoting associates to public-facing roles while remaining behind the scenes is common within Hamas networks, allowing the organization to navigate increasing international scrutiny effectively.
Support from Turkey and U.S. Sanctions
Despite U.S. sanctions, Akkari has voiced confidence in the support from the Turkish government. In his interview, he praised Erdoğan for his hospitality towards former Hamas prisoners, highlighting that Erdoğan assured them they would receive protection akin to family. This direct assurance signals a deeper, institutional commitment by Turkey to support Hamas operatives rather than treating them as transitory visitors.
Akkari’s views on Israel’s threats to target Hamas leaders in Turkey only further reinforce his belief in Turkish protection. He indicated that any such Israeli operations would be met with serious repercussions, which suggests a robust defense mechanism safeguarding Hamas figures in Turkey.
In summary, Akkari’s disclosures serve as a revealing testament to the intricate cooperation between Hamas and the Turkish state, especially under Erdoğan’s administration. His accounts illustrate Turkey’s role as a significant sanctuary for Hamas, offering insights into the operational strategies both sides employ in navigating international pressures, as well as the evolving dynamics of this controversial alliance.