The newspaper reports that it has taken part in protocols from a total of ten meetings of the terrorist organization.
The documents reveal a picture of Hamas having planned the attack for many years, which was finally carried out on October 7, 2023 – and led to Israel's invasion of Gaza.
Among other things, it is stated that Hamas had tried to create an image of the organization wanting to de-escalate the conflict with Israel and focus on economic development. By avoiding "larger confrontations" from 2021, the group's leaders hoped to more easily carry out a surprise attack.
Wanted to involve Iran
According to the protocols, the attack was originally planned for the fall of 2022, but was postponed as Hamas tried to get Iran and the extremist group Hezbollah to participate. Among other things, it is stated that Hamas wanted Iran to strike sensitive Israeli facilities in connection with the terrorist attack.
Another reason for the attack being postponed – and ultimately carried out – was, according to the newspaper, the political situation in Israel prior to the attack. Among other things, it is stated that Hamas wanted to disrupt the normalization of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia, and take advantage of the chaotic situation in the country in 2023. During the year, several large-scale protests had been held against the government's plans for changes to the judicial system.
Seized in Gaza
According to the New York Times, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar participated in all ten meetings, which otherwise are believed to have consisted of different compositions of high-ranking members of the organization. The protocols were seized by the Israeli defense forces in connection with a raid in southern Gaza.
In Hamas' terrorist attack on October 7 last year, around 1,200 people were killed.
