In a recent investigation by The Washington Postdocuments taken from Hamas command centers in Gaza have revealed an extensive and dangerous plan to attack Israel. These records, obtained by Israeli forces, reveal detailed strategies that existed before the October 7, 2023 attack.
Among the plans was a proposal for 9/11-style destruction Buildings in Tel Avivwhich oversees the Moshe Aviv Tower and the Azrieli Center complex. Hamas also envisioned attacks using trains, boats, and even horse-drawn chariots. While some of these ideas may not be possible, they underscore Hamas’ determination to attract united militant groups to launch coordinated attacks from all sides.
Letters from 2021 reveal that Hamas leaders, including Yahya Sinwar, are demanding hundreds of millions of dollars from Iran to fund another 12,000 fighters, vowing to “totally destroy Israel.”
Israeli officials believe the effort was part of a broader plan to engage Iran directly, although Tehran has historically avoided direct military confrontation with Israel. Apart from this, Iran is believed to be significantly increasing its financial and military support to Hamas in 2023.
One Israeli security official said Hamas was so intent on annihilating Israel that it dragged Iran into the war, despite Tehran’s reluctance. The captured documents, including a 36-page presentation, provide details on Hamas’ strategic plan, which includes both low-tech and advanced tactics.
However, some of the plans, such as demolishing the main building, lacked useful details, and one text admits that they were “still working to find a way to destroy the tower.”
The Washington Post reports that Israeli intelligence obtained the documents after launching its airstrike on the ground in Gaza, adding that although the authenticity of the documents is difficult to fully verify, the content is consistent with intelligence assessments following the October 7 attack. Iran, however, has denied involvement, with its officials painting the documents as part of Israel’s assassination campaign.
Hamas declined to comment on the details, insisting that Israel has a history of fabricating evidence. However, Israeli and American intelligence officials believe that while Iran may not have been aware of the exact timing of the October 7 attack, it was aware of Hamas’ general preparations for a major attack.
This volume of documents provides an in-depth view of the long-term ambitions of Hamas and its efforts to turn regional allies, including Iran and Hezbollah, into partners in a total war against Israel.
(with comments from The Washington Post)