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The FBI is now investigating individuals linked to Hamas and whether rogue actors could be planning violence within the US, Director Christopher Wray told Congress on Tuesday. He warned that Hamas’ attacks on Israel would lead to attacks around the world.
“We believe that the actions of Hamas and its allies will serve as an inspiration unlike anything we have seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate years ago,” Wray told the Senate Homeland Security Committee. He said the war in Gaza has taken “the threat of an attack on Americans in the United States to a whole different level.”
Still, Wray said the FBI had “no information indicating that Hamas has the intent or ability to conduct operations within the U.S.,” but added, “We cannot and will not discount that.” He noted that foreign terrorist organizations have called for attacks on Americans and the West in recent weeks. “Al Qaeda has made its most specific call to attack the U.S. in the past five years,” Wray said. “Hezbollah has threatened to attack American interests in the Middle East.”
He added that ISIS is “trying to take advantage of this moment and galvanize supporters” and that Islamist extremists alone or in “small groups” could use the war as “inspiration” to plan attacks within the US. Wray also warned of rising Jewish hate crimes across the US. USA and world.
“The Jewish community has been uniquely targeted by virtually every terrorist organization across the spectrum,” he said. “When you look at a group that makes up roughly 2.4 percent of the U.S. population, it should be shocking to anyone that that same population is responsible for approximately 60 percent of all faith-based hate crimes. And so they need our help.”
Meanwhile, Israeli forces are pushing deeper into Gaza in its bloody campaign to root out Hamas and end its 16-year rule over the Palestinian territory, following an October 7 attack that killed some 1,400 Israelis. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected calls for a ceasefire as airstrikes land near hospitals where thousands of Palestinians are sheltering alongside the wounded. Tanks and other armored vehicles are pushing into the area and about 8,000 Gazans have been killed, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.
Hamas is believed to be holding about 240 prisoners. The militant group has released four hostages and said it will let the others go in exchange for thousands of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel.
Congress is now under pressure to approve aid to Israel. The White House has asked for a $100 billion package that includes aid to Israel, Ukraine and Taiwan.
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