Hamas wants Israel embroiled in ‘bigger war’ – NYT

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants Israel dragged into a wider regional conflict, The New York Times claimed on Friday, citing US intelligence sources. According to their assessment, a “bigger war” in the Middle East would distract West Jerusalem and put pressure on the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), forcing it to shift focus from Gaza to other fronts.

Next week marks one year since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel, which responded by declaring war on the militant group and imposing a near-total siege on Gaza. Israel and Hamas have since held several rounds of indirect talks in Qatar aimed at brokering a cease-fire, but they have so far failed to bear fruit.

According to officials who spoke to the newpaper, the negotiations are unlikely to yield meaningful results anytime soon, as Hamas’ new leader, Sinwar,…