The Biden administration's message follows reports that senior members of Hamas left Qatar for Turkey last week after Doha withdrew from its key role in efforts to broker an end to the war in Gaza.Vie

The Biden administration targeted Hamas with sanctions on Tuesday, blacklisting six leaders of the Iran-proxy militia on accusations they aided it in raising funds and smuggling weapons into Gaza.

The United States has intensified its efforts against Hamas, imposing new sanctions on six leaders of the group in Turkey and Gaza. This move is part of a broader campaign by the Biden administration to disrupt Hamas’ ability to raise funds and smuggle weapons.

"Certainly, Turkey is a country that has added influence with Hamas," he added, but he stressed that he did not want to speculate on whether Turkey would become such a mediator.

The U.S. has warned Turkey against harbouring terrorists amid reports that Hamas leaders landed in the NATO Nation last week after Qatar pulled out as mediator in the Gaza ceasefire talks. The U.S. State Department said that Washington will convey to Ankara that there can't be business as usual with Hamas leaders.