New Delhi, October 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Security agencies have established links between Hamas and several Pakistan-based terror outfits, with multiple meetings reportedly held between the Palestinian group and local terror operatives in Pakistan under the patronage of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).
A key meeting held in Rawalot on February 5, 2025, involved operatives of Hamas and Pakistan-based groups Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). Titled “Kashmir Solidarity and Hamas Operation Al-Aqsa Flood”, the meeting was intended to exchange ideas and organisational experience.
An Intelligence Bureau official said that while operational details, including the use of drones, were discussed, the primary objective of these meetings was to link the Palestine cause with Kashmir.
The leaders reportedly sought to project both causes as resistance movements. According to the official, the meetings were not merely an effort to bring these terror groups under one umbrella by merging the Palestine and Kashmir narratives.
“The larger intention was to send a message into Jammu and Kashmir. Attempts are now being made to circulate images and videos of the meetings in Kashmir circles, with the hope that the locals in J&K may identify with the cause and join hands with these outfits,” the official said.
Another official said that since the abrogation of Article 370, the Kashmir narrative promoted by Pakistan had lost considerable traction in Jammu and Kashmir.
There are now very few takers for violence, as people increasingly realise that there is no gain in picking up a stone or a gun to fuel unrest. This, the official said, is where the Hamas connection becomes significant for the ISI.
The agency wants to convey that the Kashmir issue is no longer being raised only by Pakistan.
“Even international terror groups are coming forward and describing the Kashmir cause as a resistance-driven movement,” the official said.
Another official said the ISI hopes that involving Hamas would influence sections of the population in Kashmir and persuade them that their cause has international backing.
“There are chances that some may fall prey and this propaganda with the added Hamas dimension may work when it comes to recruitments,” the official said.
Officials said the Hamas-JeM-LeT nexus could also attempt to expand and modify its operational tactics in Kashmir.
While Hamas-style attacks are reportedly part of the plan, the broader objective is to influence Kashmiris and draw them into militancy.
Officials consider this effort to sway local opinion and encourage recruitment more dangerous than the operational changes that Jaish and Lashkar may attempt with Hamas’ assistance.
Since the abrogation of Article 370, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed several positive changes, officials said, pointing to a decline in terrorism and a significant boost in tourism.
Terror recruitment has dropped sharply, while several overground worker (OWG) networks have been dismantled, making it increasingly difficult for ISI-backed elements to operate.
The ideology and narrative promoted by Pakistan to draw Kashmiris into militancy are also losing influence, a development that has reportedly left the ISI concerned.
The agency now wants to introduce another dimension that could potentially draw Kashmiris back into the conflict. According to an official, the hope is that the Hamas connection will help achieve that objective.
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