Is a Bigger Terror Nexus in the Making? LeT-Hamas Links Surface Amid US-Pakistan Peace Deal
A senior commander of the Pakistan-based terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) has openly acknowledged operational links with Hamas, the Middle East-based militant organization frequently engaged in violent conflicts with Israel. This revelation points to the formation of a potentially dangerous new terror nexus that could threaten regional stability and international security.
LeT Commander Confirms Hamas Meetings in Doha
In a significant development, LeT commander Faisal Nadeem admitted in a video statement that he met with Hamas leadership in Doha in 2024 to discuss expanding cooperation between the two US-designated terrorist organizations. This confession comes from a commander of the Pakistani Markazi Muslim League, widely regarded as the political front of LeT.
The meetings between these groups suggest a strategic alignment that could enhance their operational capabilities and reach. According to reports, these discussions focused on scaling up their activities and strengthening collaborative efforts, raising alarms about their combined potential for violence.
US Peace Initiative and Pakistan's Contradictory Role
This emerging terror nexus unfolds against the backdrop of US President Donald Trump's "Board of Peace" initiative, aimed at promoting stability in Gaza. On January 15, 2026, this US-led intergovernmental organization was established with the stated purpose of restoring lawful governance and securing enduring peace in conflict-affected areas.
Three days later, President Trump invited Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif to join the initiative, and Pakistan accepted the proposal. However, this move appears contradictory as Pakistan continues to allow Hamas representatives to operate freely on its soil, participate in public events, and forge alliances with local militant groups like LeT and Jaish-e-Mohammad.
MEMRI Report Highlights Growing Concerns
A report by the US-based Middle East Media Research Institute (MEMRI) has documented this well-established nexus between Hamas and Pakistan-based terror groups. The report warns that this collaboration could undermine international counterterrorism efforts, endanger regional stability, and threaten Western security interests.
The MEMRI findings include videos and images from recent events in Pakistan, such as a January 2026 LeT-linked gathering in Gujranwala that featured senior Hamas representative Naji Zaheer alongside LeT operative Rashid Ali Sandhu. These visual evidences underscore the deepening connections between these terrorist organizations.
Strategic Implications for India and Israel
The partnership between LeT and Hamas is particularly concerning for countries like India and Israel, which have long been targets of these groups' operations. Pakistan has a documented history of cultivating terror groups that target India, while Hamas maintains similar operations against Israel.
This new nexus could allow these organizations to share resources, intelligence, and tactics, potentially increasing their effectiveness. The world's focus on demilitarizing Hamas in Gaza might be overlooking Pakistan's emerging role as a potential safe haven where these groups could regroup and strengthen after Middle East operations.
LeT's Strategic Shift After Operational Setbacks
The LeT-Hamas alliance comes months after Lashkar-e-Taiba, led by Hafiz Saeed, suffered a major setback in India's Operation Sindoor. Precision strikes destroyed LeT's headquarters in Muridke, Pakistan, forcing the organization to reconsider its operational bases.
This partnership with Hamas might represent LeT's strategic shift to establish bases farther from India while maintaining its anti-India agenda. The presence of Saifullah Kesari, mastermind of the April 2025 Pahalgam terror attack, alongside commander Nadeem in Doha further confirms these connections.
Questions About Pakistan's Counterterrorism Commitments
Pakistan's conduct in allowing Hamas operations on its soil while joining US-led peace initiatives raises serious questions about its counterterrorism commitments. This behavior undermines Western efforts to diplomatically isolate Hamas and challenges whether the United States should continue to regard Pakistan as a "major non-NATO ally."
The emerging LeT-Hamas nexus represents a significant security challenge that demands international attention. As these terrorist groups strengthen their cooperation, countries like India, Israel, and the United States must reassess their counterterrorism strategies to address this growing threat effectively.
