Bloomberg: Islamist groups gain ground amid Middle Eastern conflict

Islamist factions are expanding their influence as the conflict in the Middle East intensifies.

According to a recent article by Bloomberg, support for Hamas and Hezbollah is growing in Jordan's capital, Amman, with political groups rallying in favour of these organizations, Caliber.Az reports.

Demonstrations featuring men, women, and children praising Hamas leaders and other militants have become a near-daily event.

Although Jordan’s government, under King Abdullah II, maintains strong ties with the U.S. and Israel, a significant portion of the population is shifting toward Islamist militants and politicians who oppose Israel, according to the report.

“As the conflict continues, a new consciousness is emerging and gaining strength,” said Hassan Abu Haniyeh, a specialist in militant Islam, who predicts further growth in Islamist recruits and movements.

Sources cited by Bloomberg indicated that while Arab governments are pleased with the diminishing influence of Iran in the region, they are also grappling with public outrage over the situations in Gaza and Lebanon. Saudi Arabia and the UAE, in particular, are concerned that Islamist groups may leverage the widespread support for Palestine and the poor economic conditions in some Arab nations to spark Arab Spring-style uprisings.

By Tamilla Hasanova