Secret documents obtained by the New York Times prove that Hamas long tried to convince Iran and Hezbollah to participate in the October 7 attacks.
HE New York Times obtained minutes of secret Hamas meetings, which show precisely how the October 7 attacks were organized. These documents, seized by the Israeli army in a former command center in Khan Younes, were verified by the American newspaper.
These accounts show that Hamas had been planning these attacks for several months, with the first mention of the operations in documents dating back to early 2022 under the code name. “great project.” The execution date was then postponed several times, as Hamas tried to convince its allies (Iran and Hezbollah) to participate in the attacks.
The documents also show that Hamas leaders were careful, for two years, to avoid any escalation with Israel to maximize the element of surprise. During a meeting in April 2022, leaders of the Palestinian movement were reportedly looking forward to a month of Ramadan without a major deterioration in relations, which would allow the group ” hide [ses] intentions » and of “keep dry[ète] the great idea [ou grand projet] »according to the New York Times. The leaders also discussed safeguarding ammunition and implementing a “Extensive and convincing process of disguise and deception”.
Postponed several times, the “great project” experienced a boost in December 2022, with the return of Benjamin Netanyahu to the head of the Israeli government. According to the New York TimesHamas officials anticipated that their actions “ [les] help move the big project forward »because they would attract the attention of Hamas allies. Furthermore, the Palestinian movement wanted to carry out its attack before the end of 2023, as Israel announced the development of a new laser capable of destroying its rockets more effectively.
In the summer of 2023, Hamas chief negotiator Khalil Al-Hayya is sent to Lebanon to meet with Iranian commander Mohammed Said Izadi, a member of the Revolutionary Guard, who assured him that he would present the attack plan against the leader of Hamas. Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. . Izadi then said, according to the documents, that Hezbollah and Iran agreed to the plan in principle, but needed time. “prepare the environment”. The Hamas leaders then rely on the support of their allies, who will not allow them “exposed”but they believe they will have to lead the attack alone.
