Much has been written about the motivations and objectives of Hamas in launching its attack on October 7.
Some may be interested in Hamas's own explanation of its motivations and objectives, as briefly summarized in the IF AMERICANS KNEW item transmitted below.
The full "report" published by Hamas (in English) can be accessed by clicking on "report" below. It is worth reading.
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The Palestinian group Hamas has released a report explaining the motives of the October 7th attack, called “Our narrative…the Al Aqsa Flood?” It is from the Hamas Communications Office, addressed to “our steadfast Palestinian people, the Arab and Islamic nations, the free people worldwide, and those who advocate for freedom, justice, and human dignity.”
The report has five sections: 1) Why Operation Al-Aqsa Flood?; 2) The events of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, and responses to the Israeli allegations; 3) Toward a transparent international investigation; 4) A reminder to the world: who is Hamas?; and 5) What is needed?
Here are some of the key points the report raised, according to Al Jazeera:
- The report stresses the historical context of the conflict and the injustices that Palestinians have endured for decades, saying that Israel has been intensifying its abuses under Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s right-wing government. It adds that the October 7 attack was a “natural response” to the Israeli push to liquidate the Palestinian cause.
- Hamas rejects accusations that it deliberately targeted civilians during the attack – in which almost 1,140 people were killed, including 700 civilians – pointing to media reports about Israeli troops targeting cars and homes with Israelis inside. But the report acknowledges that disorder had ensued during the attack as the Israeli security apparatus collapsed swiftly around Gaza.
- The report urges an investigation into “all crimes in occupied Palestine” by the International Criminal Court, calling on its prosecutor to “immediately” start a probe on the ground.
- The Palestinian group reiterates that it is in a conflict against Israel, not against Jews because of their religion.
- Hamas calls for ending Israel’s offensive on Gaza and the withdrawal of Israeli troops from the territory, saying that Palestinians should be able to decide their own future.