Israeli authorities had known about Hamas’ attack plans for at least a year but ruled out the possibility because they were complicated to carry out, the newspaper reported Thursday. The New York Times.
Citing “documents, emails and interviews” to which it had access, the US newspaper said the plan described with great precision a surprise attack like the one carried out by the Palestinian Islamist group on October 7, which left 1,200 dead in Israel and more. than 200 hostages.
The 40-page plan, codenamed the “Wall of Jericho,” envisaged the use of drones to destroy security cameras along the Gaza Strip border, or the mass entry of militants on foot, motorcycles and paragliding, although there no date was set. before the operation.
Military officials in the region did not believe an attack of this magnitude was possible. It is unclear whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or other political leaders had access to the documents, the newspaper said.
The Hamas attack prompted Netanyahu to declare war on Hamas and launch an offensive in the Gaza Strip, which has already claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people.
Thursday was the seventh day of a ceasefire brokered by Qatar, Egypt and the United States that includes the release of hostages and prisoners and the access of humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip.
The temporary ceasefire was extended for another 24 hours on Thursday morning and it is unknown whether it will continue today.
An extension of the ceasefire would imply the release of an additional ten Israeli hostages per day in exchange for the release of thirty Palestinian prisoners.
Meanwhile, Qatar continues to work with regional and international partners towards a permanent ceasefire in the Gaza Strip.
So far, 105 prisoners have been released in Gaza, including 81 Israelis and 24 foreigners, while Israel has released 240 Palestinian prisoners, all women and minors.
Source: DN
