Arrested Individual Suspected of Being a Mossad Agent in Turkey
In Turkey, a Kosovar individual is in custody, reportedly making payments for the Israeli intelligence agency Mossad. Turkish intelligence services had been tracking the individual since his arrival a week prior, observing him transferring funds to supposed Mossad associates in Turkey and Syria, as per the state news agency Anadolu.
The funds originated from accounts in Eastern Europe and were allegedly used to compensate aides for tasks such as aerial surveillance or psychological manipulations against Palestinian political figures, according to Anadolu's reports.
In January, thirty-three individuals were detained in Turkey on charges of spying for Israel. At the time, it was revealed that Mossad had supposedly planned "attacks" and "abductions" against foreigners in Turkey under observation.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issued a threat of "severe repercussions" if Israel aimed to harm Hamas members residing in or operating within Turkey. Istanbul had functioned as one of the primary bases for Hamas officials abroad before the onset of the Gaza conflict.
Since the commencement of the Gaza conflict over ten months ago, Turkey-Israel relations have experienced a notable decline. Erdogan branded Hamas, which governs the Gaza Strip, as the "liberation movement" of the Palestinians and denounced Israel as a "terrorist state" and "war criminal." In May, Turkey suspended commercial ties with Israel.
The individual in custody is believed to have connections with the European Union, as some of the funds were transferred from accounts based in its member states. The European Union has been vocal about its support for Palestinian rights and criticisms towards Israel's actions, often aligning with Turkey's stance.
