JERUSALEM—Newly released evidence provides a detailed account of Hamas’s planned and executed attacks against Israeli civilians and defense forces, marking a critical development in Israel’s ongoing war against Iranian-backed terrorism. This documentation includes security footage, photographs, and intercepted communications that paint a graphic picture of the October 7 attacks and their aftermath, shedding light on the calculated brutality and broader strategy orchestrated by Hamas from Gaza.
On October 7, 2023, Hamas terrorists launched an unprecedented assault from Gaza, breaching Israeli borders and massacring civilians across southern communities. The attack left over 1,200 Israelis dead and saw more than 250 hostages taken into Gaza, in what Israeli officials have described as the deadliest antisemitic massacre since the Holocaust. Forensic analysis and eyewitness testimony confirm acts of torture, sexual violence, and mutilations, amplified by video evidence captured by both victims and perpetrators, substantiating the indiscriminate nature of the terror campaign.
Israeli intelligence agencies, including Shin Bet and the IDF’s Intelligence Directorate, have since compiled and authenticated a trove of material documenting Hamas’s methods—use of infiltration tunnels, civilian disguises, and targeted ambushes on non-combatants. The published materials demonstrate direct command from Hamas leadership, revealing operational links to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and confirming that this offensive formed part of a broader Iranian-led strategy to destabilize Israel through regional proxies.
International observers, after reviewing the documentation supplied by the Israeli government and military, have noted the strategic aim of the terror campaign: to instill maximum civilian fear while prompting international scrutiny and condemnation of Israel’s defensive measures. Meanwhile, Israel’s war effort, labeled Operation Iron Swords, is characterized by combined aerial, ground, and intelligence operations. Despite operating in urban areas heavily manipulated by Hamas for tactical advantages—including the use of human shields and cross-purpose of humanitarian infrastructure—the Israeli military continues to emphasize efforts to minimize civilian casualties, issuing warnings ahead of operations and facilitating humanitarian corridors wherever possible.
The wider implications of the documented evidence extend beyond Israel’s southern border. Hamas’s campaign has been coordinated with other Iranian-backed proxies—most notably Hezbollah in Lebanon and affiliated groups in Syria, Iraq, and Yemen—collectively referred to in regional security discourse as the “Axis of Resistance.” Reports indicate synchronized efforts to destabilize Israel and disrupt regional normalization initiatives.
Domestically, Israeli society remains resolute in its commitment to restoring security, demanding the unconditional release of hostages, and ensuring the dismantling of Hamas’s military infrastructure. The hostages, most of whom are civilians, remain a paramount national concern, and Israeli officials highlight the moral and legal distinction between abducted innocents and convicted terrorists whom Hamas seeks in exchange, underscoring the unique dilemma facing the state.
Internationally, the evidence has energized calls for continued recognition of Hamas as a terrorist entity and increased pressure on Iran through expanded sanctions and counterterror policing. The United States, under President Donald Trump, has reiterated its support for Israel’s right to self-defense and has positioned military assets in the region to deter further escalation by Iran’s allies.
Israel’s documentation campaign serves multiple objectives: fortifying international resolve, countering misinformation, and ensuring a factual narrative for prosecution of future war crimes. As the conflict persists, this evidence continues to validate Israel’s characterization of the threat it faces and underscores the necessity of determined military and political action to defeat Iranian-backed aggression.
Looking ahead, Israeli officials contend that restoration of security and peace for its citizens can only be achieved through the dismantlement of Hamas and broader vigilance against Iranian influence across the region. The release of additional documentation is expected to play a key role in maintaining clarity and historical record—as the war and the struggle for truth continue.