Recent developments have raised serious concerns about the growing nexus between Hamas and Pakistan-backed terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). A Hamas representative recently attended a terror summit in PoK, openly declaring their intent to replicate the Al-Aqsa Flood operation in Kashmir, similar to the October 7, 2023 attack on Israel. This raises a crucial question: Will India strengthen its ties with Israel to counter this rising threat?
Hamas and Pakistan Terror Groups: A Dangerous Alliance
A Hamas leader, Dr. Khalid Qadami, recently visited Rawalakot, PoK, to attend a terror conference organized by Pakistani terror groups. This conference, named “Kashmir Solidarity Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Flood Summit,” aimed to equate the situation in Kashmir with Gaza and rally global Islamic support against India.
During this event:
- Hamas leaders praised Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Taiba for their role in Kashmir.
- These Pakistani terror groups celebrated Hamas’ so-called “victory” over Israel, claiming that Hamas had forced Israel into a ceasefire.
- Radical leaders declared that they would replicate Hamas’ Al-Aqsa Flood attack in Kashmir.
This meeting shows a growing ideological and operational link between Hamas and Pakistani terror groups, both of which are committed to waging jihad against their respective enemies—Israel and India.
Why Pakistan Supports Hamas?
Pakistan has always tried to internationalize the Kashmir issue by equating it with Palestine. The country has provided moral, financial, and logistical support to terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Hizbul Mujahideen.
However, this time, Pakistan’s direct involvement with Hamas is more strategic:
- Islamic Solidarity: Pakistan wants to gain support from Muslim nations by showing solidarity with Hamas.
- Deflecting Internal Problems: Facing economic collapse and political instability, Pakistan is using the Hamas issue to distract its people.
- Proxy War Against India: By aligning with Hamas, Pakistan is strengthening anti-India propaganda globally.
Interestingly, while Pakistan’s government doesn’t openly support Hamas due to international pressure, it is using radical groups like Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islam (JUI-F) to establish indirect ties with Hamas.
The Role of Jamaat-e-Ulema-Islam (JUI-F)
Maulana Fazlur Rehman, the leader of JUI-F, recently met Hamas representatives, including Dr. Khalid Qadami. Though JUI-F is technically an opposition party in Pakistan, it has close ties with the ruling establishment.
- JUI-F leaders met Hamas leaders on February 5, 2025, as part of their “solidarity” campaign for Palestine.
- The very next day, on February 6, 2025, Pakistan’s government met JUI-F leaders, showing an indirect approval of Hamas ties.
- This is a tactical move by Pakistan to avoid direct confrontation with the US and Israel while secretly maintaining links with Hamas.
How Should India Respond?
India has historically maintained a balanced foreign policy regarding Israel and Palestine. However, the growing Hamas-Jaish-Lashkar nexus directly threatens India’s national security. Here’s what India can do:
- Strengthen Counterterrorism Measures
- India should increase surveillance on terror activities in PoK and Kashmir.
- Intelligence-sharing with Israel and the US can help track cross-border terror movements.
- Strengthen Ties with Israel
- India and Israel already share strong defense and counterterrorism ties.
- Advanced Israeli military technology like drones and AI-based surveillance can help India counter threats in Kashmir.
- Expose Pakistan’s Role Globally
- India must expose Pakistan’s terror sponsorship at forums like the UN, FATF, and G20.
- Diplomatic pressure can further isolate Pakistan internationally.
- Prepare for Future Threats
- Hamas’ involvement in Kashmir signals a potential new wave of terrorism.
- India must prepare for a Hamas-style attack and increase security in vulnerable areas.
Also Read: Indian Army Thwarts Infiltration Bid Along LoC in Jammu & Kashmir, Eliminates 7 Pakistani Intruders
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