HOLY LAND: HAMAS IS GROWING WITH IRAN'S HELP

U.S. says Hamas forces growing faster than Abbas's

JERUSALEM (Reuters) - With Iranian help, Hamas forces are expanding fast and getting more sophisticated weapons and training than those under Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's control, according to the U.S. security coordinator.

U.S. Lieutenant-General Keith Dayton said Hamas's growing military strength, if left unchecked, would erode Abbas's already limited ability to enforce any ceasefire in the Gaza Strip and increase the chances of Israeli military intervention.

Dayton delivered his assessment in a series of closed-door briefings late last week to congressional leaders and staff, sources familiar with the discussions said on Wednesday.

Concerned about Abbas's coalition government with Hamas, a group that Washington considers a terrorist organization, the U.S. Congress has blocked $86 million in U.S. funding to bolster Abbas's presidential guard and national security forces.

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