Islamist Terrorist Organizations Use Israel's War in Gaza to Inspire Attacks on the West

Islamist terrorist organizations are exploiting outrage over Israel’s war against Hamas, which the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry says has claimed more than 38,000 lives, to increase their numbers and inspire lone-wolf attacks in the United States and Europe, according to media reports last week.

Brett Holmgren, assistant secretary of state for intelligence and research, told the Washington Post The furor over US support for Israel in its war against Hamas has led to an influx of members among international terrorist groups.

In addition to strengthening terrorist organizations, the strong emotional reaction to the war against Hamas has allowed terrorist groups to inspire lone actors to carry out attacks.

The Hamas attack on Israel on Oct. 7 “was, is and will be a generational event that terrorist organizations in the Middle East and around the world use as a recruiting opportunity,” Holmgren told the Post.

Referring to attempted attacks on European Jewish institutes in Germany and the Netherlands, he said: “We have already seen attacks (by lone actors) happening to some extent in Europe.”

Police officers patrol the Trocadero square in front of the Olympic rings displayed on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower ahead of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, June 7, 2024. (REUTERS/SARAH MEYSSONNIER)

Asked about the U.S. position in light of the death toll in the Hamas-run Gaza Health Ministry, Holmgren said that “the sentiments you hear on the ground are real.”

“They are reflected in the analysis that we have conducted,” he said, acknowledging “the global ramifications that October 7 has had, and likely will have, on the perception of the United States in the region and among most Muslim countries.”

Normalization of extremist groups

Terrorist groups have also enjoyed greater sympathy from some Western groups since the start of the war.

Just a month after Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing more than 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250 others, a TikTok trend saw users openly praising a 20-year-old letter written by Osama bin Laden, one of the terrorists responsible for the 9/11 attacks in New York.

Additionally, the flags of Hamas and Hezbollah, two groups recognized as terrorist organizations by the United States, have been openly displayed at pro-Palestinian demonstrations.

US military bases on high alert

According to CNN, US military bases in Europe were put on alert last week and the force protection level reached its second highest level.

The alert “applies when an incident occurs or intelligence is received indicating that some form of terrorist action or targeting against personnel or facilities is likely,” the U.S. military said.

A US official told CNN they haven’t seen this level of threat in 10 years.

EUCOM said the level of vigilance was heightened as “malicious actors have increased the threat of attacks against various non-military targets in Europe.”

Military personnel have been encouraged to remain discreet and vigilant, and activities at some bases have been temporarily suspended.

International concerns over terrorism

The risk of Islamist attacks is the main security concern for the Games, the Paris police chief said last month, according to Reuters. France has said it would move the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics if a specific risk is confirmed.

A man was arrested in May in the French city of Saint-Etienne on suspicion of planning an attack on behalf of Islamic State at the city’s football stadium during the Olympics.

Insurance companies are also concerned about the Games, particularly that the participation of the Israeli Olympic team could further inflame international tensions, according to Reuters.