Hamas threat increasing

HAMAS militants have smuggled 40 tons of weapons into the Gaza Strip since the group wrested control of the territory in June, sharply increasing its arsenal, according to the latest Israeli intelligence assessment.

A top intelligence official told the Israeli Cabinet on Sunday that Hamas is growing increasingly motivated to carry out attacks on Israeli targets. The Haaretz newspaper reported yesterday that security officials fear Hamas’ exiled leadership in Syria is working to renew suicide attacks against Israel in attempts to derail peace efforts by Israel, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.

Israeli officials said Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert are to meet in Jerusalem today, in talks meant to boost the Palestinian leader in his power struggle with Hamas.