Rhino: A Turkish diplomatic source denied to Reuters on Monday reports that the political office of the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) had moved from Qatar to Turkey, adding that leaders from the movement visit the country from time to time.

Doha said last week that it had informed Hamas and Israel that it would freeze its mediation efforts to reach a ceasefire agreement and release hostages until they showed seriousness and a real will to resume talks. Doha described media reports that it had told Hamas to leave the country as inaccurate.

Turkey is highly critical of Israel for its military campaigns in the Gaza Strip and Lebanon and does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization. Hamas political leaders frequently visit Turkey.

“Members of the Hamas politburo visit Turkey from time to time,” the diplomatic source said. “Allegations that the Hamas politburo has moved to Turkey do not reflect the truth,” the diplomatic source said.

Later on Monday, Hamas denied the reports, calling them “mere rumors that the (Israeli) occupation tries to spread from time to time.”