Credible news reports or document leaks confirmed by major media outlets

NYT Reports: Secret Hamas Documents Reveal Delayed Attack to Enlist Iran, Hezbollah Support

Oct 12, 2024, 05:31 PM

According to secret documents and meeting minutes reviewed by The New York Times, Hamas had planned the October 7 attack on Israel since at least 2022 but delayed it to secure support from Iran and Hezbollah. In July 2023, a senior Hamas official met with an Iranian commander in Lebanon requesting assistance to strike sensitive sites at the start of the assault. The documents reveal that Iran was aware of and welcomed the plan, contradicting Tehran's claims of ignorance. Despite attempts, Hamas proceeded without direct involvement from Iran and Hezbollah. The records show Hamas avoided several escalations since 2021 to falsely imply it had been deterred, while secretly preparing for the major attack referred to as "the big project." These findings undercut reports of a breach between Hamas's Gaza leadership and its Qatar-based political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, indicating he was briefed on the plans.