The Media Line: New Reports Show Hamas Delayed 2023 Attack on Israel to Secure Iranian, Hezbollah Backing

Newly obtained documents have revealed that Hamas’ assault on southern Israel, which claimed over 1,200 lives on October 7, 2023, was initially planned for the previous year but was delayed as the Palestinian terror group sought to enlist support from Iran and Hezbollah.

According to international media reports, minutes from meetings held between Hamas military and political leaders over a two-year span, along with correspondences between Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar and Iranian officials, detailing the group’s long-term plan for the attack. Originally scheduled for 2022, Hamas delayed the operation as it sought financial and logistical backing from Iran and Hezbollah.

The New York Times, Washington Post, and Wall Street Journal all cited documents verified by Israeli military intelligence, which show that Hamas’ leaders carefully crafted the cross-border attack plan as early as January 2022. Reports reveal that Sinwar had requested military aid from Iran, with letters from June 2021 showing him asking for $10 million. Further funding requests reportedly totaled $500 million.

In August 2023, Hamas’ deputy leader Khalil Al-Hayya traveled to Lebanon to coordinate with Iranian and Hezbollah officials. Though the documents suggest that both Iran and Hezbollah supported the plan, the attack was carried out by Hamas alone, as Hezbollah only joined the conflict the following day.

Israel’s response to the attack sparked the current war in Gaza, leading to significant casualties and displacements. According to reports from Gaza, over 42,000 people have been killed in the ongoing war.