Hamas Grows Despite Conflict, US Intelligence Reveals New Recruitment Figures

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According to U.S. intelligence assessments, the militant group Hamas has successfully recruited between 10,000 and 15,000 new fighters since the onset of its war with Israel. These figures highlight the group’s ability to sustain its operational capabilities despite significant losses during the conflict. Estimates suggest that an equivalent number of Hamas fighters have been killed, indicating a precarious balance in the group’s strength.

The surge in recruitment comes amid a ceasefire initiated after 15 months of fighting, which has devastated the Gaza Strip and aggravated tensions in the Middle East. The majority of the newly recruited members are reported to be young and untrained, primarily assigned to basic security roles.

Hamas’s resilience raises concerns among U.S. officials. Following the initiation of the ceasefire, Secretary of State Antony Blinken warned that the recruitment of new fighters could lead to a prolonged insurgency, stating it represents a “recipe for an enduring insurgency and perpetual war.” Blinken’s comments reflect ongoing worries about the militant group's effectiveness in regrouping after military operations.

With the conflict resulting in at least 46,000 Palestinian deaths, as per health authorities, Hamas has shown its capability to restore order and essential services in Gaza despite Israel's aims to dismantle its control. The situation underscores the difficulty of achieving lasting peace, as both the U.S. and Israel view Hamas as a terrorist organization.

As negotiations continue for a potential permanent end to hostilities, discussions regarding Gaza's future governance remain contentious, with Israeli officials opposed to the continued dominance of Hamas.

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