(TheRedWire.com) – On Wednesday, the Federal Bureau of Investigation announced that they were launching a number of new investigations into Hamas, a Palestinian militant group designated a terrorist organization in the United States, and the rising conflict in the Middle East.
FBI Director Christopher Wray stated while speaking to the House Committee on Homeland Security that the agency would be placing their attention on possible threats to the mainland United States and would also be looking into the funding avenues used by the group. As he explained they have received a number of important tips that are specifically connected to Hamas and their recruitment and radicalization. He added that they were looking into “every tip and lead” with speed.
As he pointed out, they cannot and do not want to count the possibility that Hamas or any other foreign terrorist organization could end up exploiting the conflict and possibly conduct attacks on U.S. soil. Previously Hamas was not considered a top priority for U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies, and as late as 2022 they were not believed to be a direct threat to the national security of the United States.
However, the recent Oct. 7 surprise attacks by Hamas in southern Israel, which resulted in the deaths of at least 800 Israeli civilians and 278 Israeli soldiers have resulted in an increase in the number of concerns expressed by United States intelligence officials.
Three dozen Americans also lost their lives on Oct. 7 while another 10 are still unaccounted for. It is also not clear how many Americans were taken as hostages by Hamas.
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