New intelligence reports have highlighted the growing credibility and influence of Hamas since the October 7th terror attacks in Israel, with US government agencies raising concerns about the organization's global reach and appeal. Prior to these attacks, Hamas was not widely popular, but today it has emerged as the defender of the Palestinian cause and a formidable adversary against Israel, according to the report.
One senior administration official voiced the view that Hamas, like the Islamic State before it, is seeking to expand its ideology, cause, and brand on a global scale. While supporting the Palestinian cause is distinct from supporting Hamas, which is designated as a foreign terrorist organization, the report points out that the increasing support for Hamas in Western countries, particularly evident in recent protests attended by large crowds, raises concerns about radicalization and the potential for violence.
The US government is particularly focused on identifying radicalizing influences, such as extremist imams advocating for violence and other factors that contribute to sympathy for Hamas. While some reporting suggests diminished support for Hamas within Gaza, the rise of support in the West Bank and Western nations is troubling.
The report acknowledges the vital role Iran and its Revolutionary Guard Corps Quds Force could play in funding Hamas. Drawing parallels to Iran's success in building Lebanese Hezbollah into a global terrorist organization, experts warn that if Iran seeks to replicate this with Hamas, it will present a significant challenge to the United States, European countries, and their allies.
Israel, meanwhile, has made it clear that its objective is to eliminate Hamas. However, experts caution that eradicating the ideology that fuels Hamas will require more than military force, as it is intangible and not solely dependent on the physical presence of Hamas fighters. The State Department emphasizes that defeating an idea cannot be achieved through battlefield victories alone.
Attempting to physically eradicate Hamas may inadvertently increase support for its ideology due to the resulting civilian casualties. The United States and the Biden administration have urged Israel to exercise restraint and minimize civilian harm, recognizing that high casualty rates are driving popular sympathy and support for Hamas and other similar groups.
In conclusion, the report underscores the growing influence of Hamas since the October 7th attacks in Israel, highlighting concerns about its appeal, radicalization potential, and the role of external actors like Iran. As efforts to combat Hamas continue, experts stress the importance of addressing the underlying ideology and the need to minimize civilian casualties to prevent further bolstering of support for the organization.
