As negotiations for a potential ceasefire in Gaza continue, Hamas categorically denied rumours that it plans to move its political bureau from Qatar to Iraq.
In a statement on his Telegram account, Izzat al-Rishq, a member of the Hamas political bureau, dismissed claims from Sky News Arabia, which referenced The National, about a potential move to Baghdad. Al-Rishq stressed, "These allegations about Hamas relocating from Qatar to Iraq are completely unfounded."
The National, a United Arab Emirates-based publication, earlier reported that the Iraqi government had approved in May for Hamas to establish a bureau in Baghdad. The report, based on anonymous sources, also claimed that Iran would provide security for Hamas's leadership and facilities in the Iraqi capital.
The alleged move was said to be motivated by pressure from Qatar and the United States on Hamas to adopt a more conciliatory stance in ongoing negotiations with Israel over a potential deal for Gaza.
The US Department of State has issued a stern warning to Iraq and other regional countries about hosting Hamas leaders, in response to unverified reports of a possible relocation of the group's political bureau from Qatar to Baghdad.
Matthew Miller, the Department of State's spokesperson, addressed the issue during a press briefing on Monday. "I saw the reports, and I don’t want to speak to their validity. But we have made clear to every government in the region that there should be no more business as usual with Hamas after the horrific attacks of October 7th. And that applies to everyone," said Miller, without confirming the report.
Adding to the intrigue, an account named "The Iraqi Minister," which has nearly 300,000 followers on the X platform, was the first to raise the issue months ago. On 15 June, the account claimed that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and other members of the Hamas politburo had dismissed the idea of relocating to Baghdad due to safety concerns. The account suggested that this led Qatar to reconsider expelling Hamas from its territory, thus easing pressures on the group.
"The Iraqi Minister" account, which claims to belong to a former Iraqi minister whose identity remains unverified, also mentioned that Hamas might establish a small office near Baghdad International Airport. Junior leaders would reportedly be sent to evaluate the situation, with a final decision on the relocation expected within a year.
The speculation comes amidst ongoing indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Egypt, Qatar and the United States, which have thus far seen little progress towards a cease-fire agreement.
The Gaza Strip's health ministry said Tuesday that at least 37,658 people have been killed during more than eight months of Israel's air and ground offensive.
The toll includes at least 32 deaths over the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 86,237 people had been wounded in the Gaza Strip since Israel launched its war in October.
