Hamas inventory includes maps of settlements, infiltration routes: WSJ

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: The Wall Street Journal
13 Oct 2023 05:56

The Wall Street Journal exposes the existence of detailed maps depicting occupied cities and the military bases of the occupying forces. These maps, along with operational plans, were found among the possessions of the fallen members of the Qassam Brigades.

Israeli soldiers take position at the southern Israeli town of Ofakim on Sunday, Oct.8, 2023. (AP)

The Al-Qassam Brigades stormed one of the Israeli occupation's military sites near the Gaza Strip, as part of the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. The Wall Street Journal (WSJ) reported the discovery of detailed maps of Israeli military bases and infiltration routes alongside the fallen Al-Qassam Brigades martyrs.

Within these maps lay vital intelligence, notably pinpointing weaknesses in Israeli armored vehicles. This serves as a testament to the comprehensive intelligence collection and careful strategizing that underpinned the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, which commenced when Palestinian resistance infiltrated the Gaza Envelope settlements on October 7, 2023.

The newspaper cited former Israeli military intelligence officer, Michael Milstein, who openly acknowledged that the level of planning far exceeded any previous actions undertaken by Hamas.

The Wall Street Journal revealed that the resistance's document extended over 14 pages, delineating a comprehensive strategy to breach the "Mafalsim" settlement on the outskirts of Gaza.

The document was labeled "top secret" in Arabic and was dated June 15, 2023. It provided intricate insights into the operation, featuring two teams, each consisting of five individuals and a commander, with precise details about the chosen day and time. Additionally, the document included maps and aerial photographs of the targeted settlement.

Furthermore, the document also discussed the operation plan, which revealed that members of the Palestinian resistance from the Al-Qassam Brigades were assigned to penetrate the security fence, while others worked to provide artillery fire.

It is worth mentioning that the documents included precise warnings regarding the proximity of occupation forces, which could reach Mafalsim within 3 to 5 minutes.

A former officer in the occupation security services commented on Hamas' "Mafalsim" plan, highlighting the systematic intelligence gathering, utilization of human sources, and reliance on open intelligence sources, including information gathered through cyberattacks.