How Hamas pulled off the impossible

On a fateful Saturday during the Jewish Sabbath, a day of peace and reflection for the Jewish community, an unthinkable attack unfolded. Most Jewish families were at home, eagerly anticipating a day of bonding with loved ones when their world was suddenly turned upside down. The morning barrage The attacks began at dawn, around 6.30 a.m. local time, as a barrage of rockets rained down on Israel. The Iron Dome defence system leapt into action, attempting to intercept the incoming rockets, but it soon became overwhelmed by the sheer volume. Israel found itself distracted and stretched thin by this unexpected rocket onslaught.

Hamas’s multi-pronged approach Hamas had meticulously planned this operation. Simultaneously, on the ground near the Gaza border, their fighters gathered to breach the heavily fortified fence that separates Israel from Gaza. This border is unlike any other, equipped with walls, fences, soldiers, security cameras and sensors. Despite these formidable defences, Hamas successfully breached the border resulting in the loss of Israeli soldiers’ lives on Israeli soil. Some Hamas fighters even utilised unconventional methods such as paragliders to land directly in Israel. Others attempted to infiltrate the country via sea routes. In a matter of hours, Hamas fighters were in control of border towns making it the most significant attack Israel had witnessed in a generation since the 1973 Yom Kippur War. Was it a surprise attack? While Hamas may claim this was a surprise invasion evidence suggests otherwise. The attack appears to have been in the planning stages for months with rising tensions between Israel and Palestine as a backdrop. Armed Palestinians had been targetting Israelis and Israel’s government under the leadership of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was pushing for more settlements. The stage was set for a significant conflict. Warnings of an all-out war Warnings of an impending all-out war had been sounded by Hamas which Israel seemingly ignored. However, this attack’s scale and coordination indicated that it was far from sudden. Multiple reports suggested that Hamas had been preparing for this operation right under Israel’s nose. They built a mock Israeli settlement in Gaza where they conducted military drills effectively training themselves on how to storm Israel. The green light from Iran The go-ahead for the operation allegedly came just a week before the attack. Meetings between the Revolutionary Guards and Hamas in Beirut the month before the attack were believed to be where the final plans were solidified. Essentially, Hamas is said to have acted only after receiving a green light from Iran, even though Tehran vehemently denies any involvement. According to some accounts, 70 per cent of Hamas’ funding including military equipment and training originates from Iran. “It is a manifestation of resistance and standing up against the fake Zionist regime. The Palestinian people, the Palestinian soldiers, all Palestinian groups, and the Islamic Ummah really should be congratulated for this victory.” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said. The audacious attack by Hamas on Israel was not a spur-of-the-moment decision. It was the result of careful planning, rising tensions and international dynamics. While Iran officially denies involvement, its long-standing support for Hamas cannot be ignored. The conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to be a complex and volatile issue in the Middle East with no easy solutions in sight. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely that of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstpost’s views. Read all the Latest News, Trending News, Cricket News, Bollywood News, India News and Entertainment News here. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.