Turkey Detains 33 Individuals on Charges of Spying for Israel

by Emmitt Barry, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – On Tuesday, Turkish authorities reported the arrest of 33 individuals for allegedly spying on behalf of Mossad, Israel’s foreign intelligence agency. The announcement was made on Tuesday by the Turkish Interior minister, who accused the suspects of targeting foreigners living in the country.

According to Turkish officials, the Turkish police conducted a nationwide operation named Operation Mole, which took place simultaneously across eight locations. The operation was overseen by the state prosecutor’s counterterrorism bureau and MIT, Turkey’s national intelligence agency.

“We will never allow espionage activities against the national unity and solidarity of our country,” stated Turkish Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya.

During the raid, Turkish authorities reported the seizure of significant amounts of foreign currency, including over 143,000 Euros (equivalent to approximately $157,000) and $23,680 in U.S. dollars. Additionally, they found an unlicensed firearm, cartridges, and various digital devices.

Turkey, which is a member of NATO, does not classify Hamas as a terrorist organization and has historically allowed leaders of the militant group to reside in or visit the country despite the majority of NATO members that identify Hamas as a terrorist organization.

Last month, the chief of Israel’s Shin Bet security agency stated in an Israeli TV broadcast that they had authorization to target Hamas leaders for assassination, regardless of their location, including in Turkey.

“It will take a few years, but we will be there in order to do it,” Shin Bet Chief Ronen Bar said. “The Cabinet set a goal for us: to take out Hamas, and we are determined to do it.”

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