Hamas says Turkish intel chief congratulates al-Hayya on election as terror group’s leader

Turkish intelligence chief Ibrahim Kalin congratulates Khalil al-Hayya on being elected as Hamas’s new leader, according to a statement from the terror group.

Kalin “congratulated [al-Hayya] on the confidence placed in him by his colleagues” and “reaffirmed Turkey’s support for the Palestinian people,” according to the Arabic-language statement.

Al-Hayya, who previously served as the head of Hamas’s political bureau and is close to the regime in Iran, “expressed his appreciation for the positions taken by the Republic of Turkey and for the strong bilateral relationship, affirming that communication and consultations would continue,” the statement adds.

Turkey has long maintained close ties with Hamas, which it does not designate as a terrorist organization, and frequently hosts its leaders — a major source of friction between Ankara and Jerusalem.