U.S. Intelligence Probes Foreign Backing of Pro-Hamas Campus Protests

Recent developments highlight the rising tensions surrounding the pro-Palestinian movement, particularly in the U.S. and abroad. In Turkey, a rally in support of Palestine featured Bilal Erdogan, son of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who reiterated support for Hamas, marking a significant shift in Turkey's foreign relations since the mid-2000s. Concurrently, U.S. intelligence officials, including DNI Tulsi Gabbard, are investigating potential foreign support for pro-Hamas protests on college campuses, with evidence suggesting links to Iranian influence. A study from the Capital Research Center reported a dramatic increase in anti-American sentiment and calls for violence among pro-Palestinian groups since the October 7 attacks, suggesting a radical shift in their rhetoric. These developments reflect broader geopolitical dynamics and the complexities of public sentiment regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. As protests continue to evolve, concerns mount over the implications for domestic and international security.