Hamas, Houthis Open Offices in Iraq

Latest Developments

Hamas and the Houthi rebels in Yemen — both Iran-backed terror groups — quietly established political offices in Iraq over the summer, The New York Times revealed on September 17. Citing Iraqi and Western officials, the Times reported that the offices were opened in June and are “mainly focused on developing links in Iraq.” Behind closed doors, some Iraqi officials admit “they are not thrilled about their new guests but did not have the power to block them, given the sway of the Iraqi political parties with ties to Iran,” the Times added. Baghdad has not confirmed the existence of either office, but images circulating on social media appear to corroborate the story.

Hamas is reportedly represented in Baghdad by Mohammed al-Hafi, while the Houthis are represented by Abu Idris al-Sharafi. A spokesman for an Iraqi political party aligned with Iran noted that the Hamas office allows al-Hafi “to convey messages to Iraqi politicians directly, not through an intermediary.”  

Expert Analysis

“It comes as no surprise that the Houthis are establishing a foothold in Iraq. Aligned with Iran, this group has forged ties with another proxy backed by Tehran, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, both of whom have claimed responsibility for attacks on Israel since June of this year. These offices likely serve as coordination hubs, facilitating collaboration between the two factions in their broader effort to intensify pressure on American interests in the region.” — Ahmad Sharawi, FDD Research Analyst

“Tehran continues to treat Baghdad as its strategic depth and a permissive jurisdiction for its regional terrorist apparatus. As the Islamic Republic doubles down on its proxy network, dubbed the Axis of Resistance, it will need territory to coordinate with and train the next generation of Axis members as part and parcel of the regime’s larger war against America and Israel.” — Behnam Ben Taleblu, FDD Senior Fellow

Hamas’s Rumored Relocation

In June, unnamed sources told the UAE outlet The National that Hamas could relocate its political headquarters from Qatar to Iraq. According to a senior Iraqi lawmaker with purported ties to Hamas, Hamas’s late political chief, Ismail Haniyeh, discussed the terror group’s relocation with Iraqi and Iranian officials in May. The Iraqi lawmaker observed that some Iraqi groups, “especially the Kurds and some Sunnis,” worry that a Hamas move to Iraq “will deepen differences with the United States,” explaining that “there is no consensus among Iraqi political groups on Hamas’s move to Baghdad.” However, “the government’s decision to host Hamas will not be reversed,” the lawmaker added. Hamas later claimed that “there is no truth in the reports” about the group’s plans “to leave Qatar and move to Iraq.”

Asked about reports that Hamas will relocate to Baghdad, U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said on June 24 that he could not “speak to their validity” but that Washington has “made clear to every government in the region that there should be no more business as usual with Hamas.”

Hamas Offices in Qatar, Turkey

Outside of Gaza, Hamas maintains political offices in Qatar and Turkey. Hamas opened its office in Doha in 2012. Sheikh Meshal bin Hamad Al Thani, Qatar’s ambassador to the United States, said in October that Hamas set up its Doha office following “a request from Washington to establish indirect lines of communication with Hamas.” An Obama White House official said there was no request from Washington, but the administration did not oppose the move either.

Hamas established a presence in Turkey in 2011 at the direct invitation of the Turkish government. The move was part of an Egyptian-brokered deal that saw Israel release more than 1,000 Palestinian prisoners, including high-profile Hamas figures, in exchange for Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit.

Related Analysis

“Rumors Swirl Over Hamas Move From Qatar to Iraq,” FDD Flash Brief

“Hamas Chief Meets Turkish President, Considers Move From Qatar to Turkey,” FDD Flash Brief

“Turkey Rejects Hosting Hamas as Pressure Rises on Qatar,” FDD Flash Brief

“10 Things to Know About the Houthis,” FDD Insight