Hamas Unveils Shocking Insights into the October 7 Events
In a groundbreaking revelation, details of the Al-Aqsa Storm Operation executed by Hamas’s armed wing have come to light for the first time. The documentary aired by Al Jazeera unveils shocking insights into the military strategies employed during this significant event that transpired on October 7, 2023.
The documentary, titled “What is Hidden is Greater,” showcases previously unseen footage of high-level military meetings among Hamas leaders, the operational execution, and the aftermath of the attack. Key highlights include:
- Visibility of Leadership: Rare footage features al-Qassam Brigades commander Muhammad Deif, who appeared uninjured in the military operations room as he finalized the attack plan.
- Strategic Goals: Deif emphasized the need to alter history, stating, “We must change the course of history to be the vanguard in this stage and achieve a day of God’s days when the banners will be raised.”
- Operation Orders: The documentary revealed secret documents, including the operation order signed by Deif on October 5, which designated 6:30 AM on October 7 as the time for the offensive.
Significantly, the documentary outlined major Israeli military targets, specifically naming bases such as Yiftach, Nahal Oz, and Kissufim. The program also highlighted the role of Yahya Sinwar, head of the Hamas political bureau, and Ezzedin al-Haddad, a commander within the al-Qassam Brigades. Al-Haddad shed light on the meticulous planning that took place leading up to the operation, stating that the military leadership convened continuously since October 1 to coordinate their efforts.
Al-Haddad asserted, “The Israeli occupation leadership, empowered by America and the West, will have no choice but to comply with our just demands to stop the aggression and withdraw completely from Gaza.”
As dawn broke on October 7, thousands of Hamas fighters successfully breached the wall separating Gaza from the occupied territories. The documentary provides a vivid account of al-Qassam fighters as they engaged in various military operations:
- Tunnel Warfare: Footage shows fighters using tunnels to plant explosives and destroy Israeli vehicles.
- Seizing Military Assets: Elite fighters captured an Israeli Namer armored personnel carrier.
- Casualty Reports: The operation reportedly resulted in the deaths of hundreds of Israeli soldiers and officers.
The episode illustrates the precise coordination between the al-Qassam leadership and the execution of their military strategies. It also reveals Israeli attempts to target resistance leaders, including al-Haddad, identified as a key figure in planning the Al-Aqsa Storm operation.
The investigation conducted in the documentary demonstrates the depth of planning involved in the operation, which featured a surprise assault by the al-Qassam Brigades on Israeli settlements and military positions around Gaza. The assault included:
- Multi-Front Attacks: Ground, sea, and air assaults were executed simultaneously.
- Control of Military Bases: Al-Qassam forces stormed an Israeli military base, seizing tanks and other military vehicles.
- Documentary Footage: Scenes depicted the aftermath of clashes, including the bodies of Israeli soldiers and the destruction caused by al-Qassam’s explosive devices.
Among the fighters interviewed, one shared insight into the Be’eri kibbutz assault, emphasizing that they spared civilians while engaging only with hostile forces. They also discussed their efforts to capture Israeli soldiers, necessitating heavy reinforcements from Israel, which ultimately led to intense bombardments and devastation of the kibbutz.
The program underscored that the success of the operation stemmed from a complex strategic deception, where the al-Qassam Brigades misled the Israeli military into underestimating their response to the escalating tensions in the region.
Furthermore, the documentary captures Yahya Sinwar directing military operations against Israeli incursions, showcasing successful ambush strategies employed by Hamas forces in Rafah, southern Gaza. The footage offers a glimpse into Sinwar’s active involvement in planning and executing military strategies with field commanders.
As a result of this operation, the total number of Israeli military casualties has reportedly reached 841, along with 5,656 injuries. However, both Palestinian and Israeli sources suggest that the actual figures may be higher.
Israeli Channel 12 has noted that the material presented in the documentary highlighted significant intelligence failures, characterizing October 7 as “Black Saturday.” They pointed out the detailed intelligence held by Hamas prior to the operation, revealing a troubling security oversight on Israel’s part.
The documentary also depicts Sinwar’s fearless movements through the streets of Gaza during the conflict, emphasizing his strategic leadership during this tumultuous period.
In conclusion, the Al Jazeera episode presents an exhaustive account of one of the most audacious military operations in the ongoing Palestinian-Israeli conflict. Through exclusive footage and rare interviews, it provides unprecedented insights into the planning, execution, and significant roles played by key figures in this operation.