Produced by: Tarun Mishra
Designed by: Mohsin Shaikh
The recent offensive launched by Hamas against Israel has triggered an unanticipated and unprecedented level of military escalation, marked by a meticulously coordinated attack that has plunged the region into a war
The military arm of Hamas, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, successfully breached Israel's southern border, igniting a fierce and well-planned confrontation
Reports have surfaced indicating that Hamas terrorists possessed detailed maps of multiple locations in Israel, including military bases, signifying the extensive strategic preparation behind the assault. These maps not only pinpointed targets but also indicated tactical weaknesses in Israel's defence
The presence of tactical guides identifying vulnerabilities and a well-devised infiltration route map underscores that Hamas' assault was meticulously crafted well in advance, demonstrating a high degree of strategic forethought
The uncovered documents suggest that Hamas had a sinister agenda, aiming not only at military installations but also at civilian population centres, with an intent to take hostages and inflict harm on innocent civilians, creating an atmosphere of fear and chaos
Some of these documents contained crucial information, including the number of civilians in Israeli areas, detailed descriptions of kibbutz settlements, and precise estimates of the response time of the Israeli army, highlighting the depth of Hamas' planning
A 14-page document in Arabic, dated June 15, 2023, outlined a plan to infiltrate a kibbutz and hold its residents as hostages. It also meticulously detailed the deployment of Hamas operatives for various operations referred to as "Hour S, Day Y," revealing the calculated nature of their actions
Michael Milshtein, a former Israeli military intelligence officer, emphasized that the extent of planning by Hamas in this attack surpasses anything seen in their previous actions. This level of preparation is considered a grave departure from their typical tactics
The offensive began on October 7 when Hamas initiated missile strikes from Gaza and dispatched operatives into southern Israel. This initial attack resulted in the loss of several citizens and the capture of numerous hostages, setting the stage for a protracted and deadly conflict
In response, Israel declared a 'state of war' and launched Operation 'Iron Swords' in Gaza, aiming at a total seize of the Gaza Strip. The ensuing conflict has led to over 3000 casualties on both sides, further intensifying the crisis
The meticulously planned attack by Hamas has considerably heightened tensions in the region, as both Israel and Hamas find themselves embroiled in a fierce and deadly confrontation with far-reaching implications for regional stability