Secret information about Hamas, the organization fighting for Palestinian independence, has been leaked by U.S. intelligence sources. As a result, Israel is facing a grave challenge.
According to a report by news agency Reuters on Saturday (January 25), U.S. intelligence sources have revealed that Hamas has recruited 10,000 to 15,000 soldiers since the war in Gaza began. As a result, the group still poses a threat to Israel.
Sources also stated that despite recruiting new soldiers, approximately the same number of soldiers have been killed during the war. However, U.S. intelligence had not previously disclosed such information.
According to U.S. intelligence reports at the end of the Biden administration, Hamas has successfully recruited new members. However, many of the newly recruited soldiers are young and untrained, and they are being used primarily for general security purposes.
The report mentioned that the Office of the Director of National Intelligence of the United States has declined to comment on this matter.
Earlier, on January 14, then-Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that the U.S. believes Hamas has recruited nearly as many fighters in the Palestinian territories as it has lost. He also warned that this indicates a persistent insurgency and preparation for a prolonged conflict.
Although Blinken issued such a warning, he did not provide detailed information on the matter. However, according to Israeli statistics, nearly 20,000 fighters have been killed in Gaza.
Last July, a spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, Abu Ubaida, stated that they had been able to recruit thousands of new fighters.