Iraqi Foreign Minister Fuad Hussein has refuted recent claims suggesting that Hamas leaders may establish a new headquarters in Baghdad. The denial comes amid persistent rumors about the Palestinian group's potential relocation from Qatar.
In an interview with an Iraqi TV channel, as reported by the Qatari-owned Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, Hussein stated that no decision has been made regarding the opening of a Hamas office in the Iraqi capital. He emphasized that Iraq maintains continuous communication with Palestinian factions, Iran, and the United States to "keep the fire of war away from Iraq."
These rumors have been circulating since late June when reports suggested that Hamas leaders were considering leaving Qatar for Iraq. The move was reportedly prompted by increasing pressure from Doha and Washington on Hamas to accept a ceasefire deal and release hostages held in Gaza since October 7. At that time, the Iraqi government also denied these reports.
The speculation intensified in mid-July when UAE-owned Sky News Arabia reported that not only Hamas but also three other Palestinian factions – Islamic Jihad, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, and its offshoot, the General Command – had opened offices in Baghdad. The report claimed these groups were holding meetings with Iraqi factions loyal to Tehran and were planning to transfer their headquarters to the city.
Despite the official denial, an unnamed member of the ruling coalition in the Iraqi parliament told Al-Araby Al-Jadeed that Baghdad would not object to hosting Hamas leaders if they requested it.
The potential relocation of Hamas leadership to Baghdad has strategic implications. According to analysts quoted by Sky News Arabia, Iran believes that basing the Hamas leadership in Baghdad would facilitate maintaining the group's cohesion in the face of internal divisions.
As tensions continue in the region, the question of Hamas's future base of operations remains a topic of international interest and speculation.
* The Times of Israel contributed to this article.
