Israel National News reports: “Palo Alto Networks has uncovered new details about an extensive espionage campaign run by Ashen Lepus, a Hamas‑linked cyber group that has maintained persistent operations against governmental and diplomatic bodies across the Middle East. According to the company, the group not only continued its activity throughout the Israel-Hamas conflict but intensified its efforts even after the October 2025 Gaza ceasefire, deploying newly developed malware and engaging directly within compromised networks.

Researchers reported that Ashen Lepus, active since 2018, has expanded its traditional target set beyond the Palestinian Authority, Egypt, and Jordan, now reaching entities in Oman and Morocco and showing new interest in Turkey. Despite this broader geographic reach, many of the lures used in phishing attempts continue to revolve around Middle East geopolitical issues, particularly those involving the Palestinian Territories. Recent decoys included documents referencing Turkish defense policy, alleged Hamas training in Syria, and discussions surrounding Palestinian political developments…”