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Hamas’s ‘multi-arena’ strategy targets Israeli stability

Iran’s “Jerusalem axis” also includes Hezbollah, Islamic Jihad and other proxy militias.

A Hamas parade near the Israel-Gaza border marking the anniversary of the 2014 war (“Operation Protective Edge”) with Israel, July 19, 2023. Photo by Majdi Fathi/TPS.

In a recent interview with the Hamas-affiliated Felesteen newspaper, senior Hamas official Musa Abu Marzouk shed light on the group’s “multi-arena campaign,” revealing a vision that aims to put Israel in a state of constant instability and vulnerability to various threats.

The strategy involves active unification and participation in the Iranian “axis of resistance,” and financial stabilization of Gaza through Arab aid.

The multi-arena operation, which requires extensive coordination, has been steadily gaining momentum since Hamas joined Iran’s “Jerusalem axis” in 2021, an alliance that also includes Hezbollah, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other proxy militias in Syria, Iraq and Yemen in 2021.

Hamas’s renewal of relations with Syria marked a crucial turning point for the alliance, which serves as Iran’s counterweight to the Abraham Accords.

“We aim for the enemy to live under instability when his interests are under constant threat,” Abu Marzouk said.

The strategy seeks to create multiple fronts against Israel, and already, tensions are risiing along the Lebanese border.

Iran plays a significant role in supporting Palestinian terrorist groups, providing generous support in terms of money, weapons and technology. As part of the recent Saudi-Iranian rapprochement agreement, Hamas leaders visited the kingdom in April to strengthen ties, signaling a shift in relations after years of boycott.

Hamas is also trying to strengthen its presence in Judea and Samaria, considering it the core of its strategy due to the concentration of Palestinian population and direct conflict with Israelis.

But this has been complicated by its growing rivalry with Islamic Jihad inside the Strip and a Palestinian Authority crackdown on terrorist groups in Judea and Samaria.

Addressing reports of Algeria’s proposal to transfer oil to Gaza, Abu Marzouk welcomed the initiative and expressed confidence that Egypt would not reject it.

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