Terrorists reportedly trained for years without knowing specific purpose of training, underwent special tests to determine capabilities and combat skills for attack; commanders notified of attack just hours prior
Hamas’ plan to storm Israeli border communities, as happened on October 7, was known only to 70 members of its elite Nukhba unit, London-based Arabic-language newspaper Al-Sharq Al-Awsat reported on Wednesday, citing sources close to the military wing of Hamas, the Al-Qassam Brigades.
The terrorists, who trained for years without knowing the specific purpose of their training, launched a surprise attack from several different areas along the Gaza-Israel border, crossing it using explosive devices prepared and tailored for “weak points” identified in the fence. The sources revealed that the terrorists employed drones and paragliders, enabling them to take down Israeli positions.
According to the report, preparations for the attack began in 2014, prior to Operation Protective Edge, but the plan was put on hold with the outbreak of the operation. In 2021, it was decided to prepare for the attack again.
The terrorists were trained over the years and underwent special tests to determine their capabilities and combat skills for the attack. Shortly thereafter, they were sworn in before their leaders, pledging not to disclose secrets about their training and the specialized training plans.
The sources confirmed to the newspaper that many commanders of the military wing in Gaza were not aware of all the details.
The information compartmentalization, as claimed in the report, was intended to prevent leaks to Israeli intelligence. Ultimately, the decision to carry out the attack and its timing was made by five people: Hamas leader in the Gaza Strip Yahya Sinwar, the military wing’s leader Muhammad Deif, one of Deif’s assistants and Yahya Sinwar’s brother Muhammad Sinwar, Hamas politburo member Rawhi Mushtaha and Hamas’ Central Brigade commander Ayman Nofal, who was assassinated by Israel in October.
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