Official statements from the Iranian government or confirmed reports by major news agencies

Secret Documents: Hamas Leader Sinwar Delayed Attack, Revived Suicide Bombings, Sought Iran's Support

Oct 12, 2024, 03:46 PM

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, the architect of the October 7 attacks on Israel, orchestrated the operation after taking full control of the militant group over the summer, according to reports citing secret documents. Sinwar ordered the revival of suicide bombings to achieve Hamas's goals, a directive issued just days before a failed Palestinian attack in Tel Aviv in August 2023, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. The attack, code-named "the big project," was initially planned for the fall of 2022 but was delayed as Hamas sought to persuade Iran and Hezbollah to participate. Hamas avoided major clashes since 2021 to create the false impression that it had been deterred and to deceive Israel. Secret documents, including minutes from ten high-level Hamas meetings, were found on a computer captured by Israeli forces under Khan Younis and reviewed by the New York Times. In July 2023, Hamas dispatched a top official to Lebanon to meet with senior Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps commander Mohammed Said Izadi, requesting assistance in striking sensitive sites at the start of the assault. Iran had been informed about the attack and reportedly "welcomed" it, contradicting previous Iranian claims of having no prior knowledge. Despite these efforts, Hamas proceeded with the attack without the direct involvement of Iran or Hezbollah.